Most of us make the mistake of forgetting that having a healthy body goes hand-in-hand with a healthy mind and increases our overall sense of wellbeing.

Exercising, eating a nutritious diet, and getting the right amount of sleep does wonders for the body, but did you know that doing so also plays a significant role in the upkeep of your mind? Don’t wait for pivotal events to start making resolutions about being happier and healthier; get a head start, and you’ll begin to see significant improvements in yourself, your life, and your relationships, and your overall well-being.

These tips and life hacks will help you achieve a healthier body and make you feel much better and more positive about yourself.

Sleep is Vital

Getting enough sleep is essential when maintaining a healthy body and mind. Sleep is good for your health and allows your body enough time to recover and regenerate for the next day. Adults generally require a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night to feel fully recharged.

Teenagers usually require at least 9 hours of sleep to help their growing bodies function efficiently. Any less sleep over a prolonged period and a person might start to experience mood swings and extreme-tiredness.

If you toss and turn before going to sleep at night, try out a few of these tricks. Exercising during the day is both good for your body and will help tire you out. Turn off all your mobile devices at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep to help your body unwind and relax. Caffeine and sugar are the enemies when it comes to falling asleep and will give you plenty of unwanted energy.

Exercise the Mind and Body

Exercise releases happy hormones known as endorphins; endorphins will help your mind feel less stressed and improve your memory. You’ll find that you sleep better after exercising, and you’ll also be in a much better mood for the rest of the day. Try walking every day or attend a yoga class after work to give your body what it deserves.

Having fun while exercising is essential. If you aren’t having fun, you won’t want to do it anymore. Join a community exercise group or get your friends involved in the classes. This way, you’ll be having fun while conditioning your body. As long as you’re moving, that’s all that matters. Being more active will make you happier and healthier.

Stay Hydrated

If you’re feeling thirsty, drink a glass of water. It seems a bit obvious, but remembering to stay hydrated will be good for your body and help your mind stay focused. When your body is dehydrated, your brain struggles to concentrate, and you will most likely pick up a headache soon after.

It’s also true that dehydration often disguises itself as hunger. So by drinking more water, you actually lose a little weight or at least not feel it’s necessary to overeat. Avoid the sugary drinks that do more harm than good, and reach for some tap water. It’s free, and it’s good for your body.

Eat Well

You are what you put in your mouth, or so they say. Eating correctly will affect how you feel and determine your mood. Overeating junk food and lots of sugar will make you feel drained and anxious and won’t benefit your body in any way.

Eating healthier alternatives will help you feel better inside and out. The signs of healthy eating show up on your skin, giving you a glowing complexion, clear eyes, and your mind the ability to focus.

Quit Smoking

If you’re a smoker, the first thing you need to do to achieve a healthier mind and body is quit the habit. Some people use smoking as a stress-relief, but the need to smoke can be more stressful. Smoking is a short-term stress-reliever and increases your risk of heart disease.

According to Smokefree, those who smoke are more likely to have poor mental health than those who don’t smoke. Quitting smoking will be challenging at first but will pay off in the future when you realize how much you’re saving as well as how much better your body is doing.

Going Outdoors

There is no better treatment for a bad day than the feeling of sunshine on your face and fresh air in your lungs. Spending time outside will make you happier and less stressed. It will clear your head and is also the perfect opportunity to get in some of that exercise we know benefits those who regularly commit to the outside and nature.

Nature heals, so go for a walk in the local park or stroll to work if you’re not working from home. You’ll begin to see the benefits and feel more motivated to participate in outdoor activities or indeed in any activities.

If you look after your heart with these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a happy mind and a healthy body. It’s worth always keeping in mind that you can never reach one without the other.

Image Credit: Image by Borja Blanco Cinza from Pixabay