Taking care of yourself sounds easy, and it’s something everyone needs. It’s a top priority because what can people do if the body cannot function?
Despite this, a lot of individuals fail to look after their health. Many things go before their well-being, like work or school. A study found that a significant number of employees sacrifice sleep for more time at work. Compared to the 7-9 hours of the recommended amount of sleep, “30 percent of employed U.S. adults typically sleep 6 hours or less in a 24-hour period, which represents approximately 40.6 million workers.” Continued sleep-deprivation has significant repercussions on a person’s physical and mental health.
Aside from catching enough sleep, how does one take care of themselves and their health?
Healthy diet
Turns out the saying, “You are what you eat” has a science behind it. Everything that a person feeds their body affects physiological functions and mood. The following are two examples:
- Coffee amplifies anxiety while also being a stimulant because it suppresses adenosine, which is responsible for exhaustion while triggering the production of adrenaline.
- Consuming too much fatty food increases the risks of weight gain and obesity. Other than the physical strains of gaining weight, it can also affect brain function by decreasing memory and learning ability.
While people can eat caffeine and fatty food, it’s essential that they take it moderately and with discipline. A healthy diet may vary from person to person, depending on their lifestyle, age, sex, etc. For instance, weightlifters and athletes may need an enormous amount of protein to build muscle. It is the same with diet fads. Keto, green juices, no rice, and other kinds of diets mostly geared for losing weight should not be taken lightly. Researching on Google is simply not enough.
Consulting experts who underwent nutrition training should be the number one step before changing up one’s diet. People should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the menu, and they should check if it fits their lifestyle first.
Mental Health
People have been paying attention to mental health more, and this sheds light on the stigma surrounding mental illness. Working for hours on end with very little rest is detrimental to mental health. Stress can be overwhelming at times, especially when it has become a constant state. Stress is linked to depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders because of the hormonal changes the body undergoes in times of stress.
Taking a break is crucial in taking care of one’s mental health. A pause in things can help a person breathe and calm down for a while. If a mental health break is a luxury, sneaking in meditation and yoga throughout the day is calming, too. Exercise also releases happy hormones to help cope with stressful days ahead. Moreover, coping mechanisms such as picking up a new hobby can be relieving to some people.
A balance of everything
Consuming food moderately and knowing when to stop working are crucial self-care habits. Remember that too much of everything is ultimately detrimental, so finding a balance with work and healthy habits is essential.
