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You only get one body, so it’s essential to take care of the one you have, from head to toe, every day. That means not only addressing physical well-being but also taking steps to nurture mental peace. Research has shown that making the effort to care for yourself physically and emotionally is one of the keys to happiness. Take advantage of the below head-to-toe health strategies to get started on your own personal path to joy.
Make personal hygiene a priority
It might seem self-evident that styling your hair, bathing, and brushing your teeth are important everyday tasks. When life gets busy, however, people tend to neglect these habits—especially oral hygiene: One survey about dental care habits showed less than 50% of respondents brushed the recommended two times per day.
Regular brushing and flossing doesn’t just keep your breath minty fresh, it also gets rid of bacterial plaque, which is responsible for causing oral health problems like periodontal disease and tooth decay. You should also see a dentist twice per year for a cleaning and checkup. If you don’t have a go-to dentist at the moment, use a search engine like AreaDentist to find nearby recommendations. Once you decide on a dentist, you can book directly through the website.
Physical clutter could create mental clutter.
Create a clutter-free home to soothe your mind
An overstuffed home is likely to result in clutter once you run out of room to store your many possessions. Clutter actually has a negative impact on mental health. It can cause you to become less focused and lose sleep, and can lead to symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
De-clutter your home to improve your mood by utilizing a practical room-by-room approach. Create permanent storage spots for commonly left-out items like remote controls and magazines, and donate items you no longer need. Once you’ve gotten organized, hire a cleaning service for a deep clean as a reward for all your hard work. The cost of a deep cleaning service in Los Angeles usually only ranges from $118 to $222. Do it once or twice a year so the in-between upkeep becomes easier. A clean, organized home will work wonders for your mental health.
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine
Exercise can greatly help to reduce stress and is an excellent way to encourage relaxation in your daily routine. Physical activity promotes the production of endorphins in your brain, which are responsible for making you feel happier. Stress-busting workouts be as simple as running, or you can take a boxing class to let out your negative emotions in a healthy way.
If you’re new to exercising, yoga can serve as a great introduction. It enhances flexibility and strength, while also calming the brain. Research suggests that yoga is wonderful for balancing the mind, and can even help in the treatment of mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Combined with the other healthy habits mentioned here, it will lead to a happier and more content life. All you need to practice yoga are comfortable clothes and a yoga mat (which you can buy on Amazon for $18.99).
Turn healthy eating in a fun activity
A balanced diet gives your body the energy it needs for optimal performance. This means getting plenty of fruits and veggies, as well as protein and whole grains, while cutting out extra fat and sugar. Cooking your own meals can make healthy eating more enjoyable: Look online for easy, low-effort recipes such as salmon and asparagus cooked in tinfoil, or zucchini noodles with cilantro-lime shrimp.
Incorporate these head-to-toe healthcare tips and you’ll soon find yourself feeling better in mind, body, and spirit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the many suggestions, simply start with one point at a time: For instance, declutter your space first, and then move on to add exercise into your routine. Once you start to recognize the benefits of your positive lifestyle, you’ll be even more encouraged to commit to this mindful way of life.
Incorporate head-to-toe healthcare tips and find a better you in mind, body and spirit.
Guest blogger Jennifer McGregor is a pre-med student, a health advocate, and a part-time aspiring writer.
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Namaste!