*This is a guest post written by Kirsty Pitman
At the start of a new year, thousands of people from all over the world make a vow to be more healthy in the coming year. While this is a great resolution to have, few people know where to start, which usually means that unhealthy habits continue and no improvements are made.
This can cause stress, which further harms your mental and physical health.
If you really want 2018 to be your year, then you have to take action, and be motivated to improve your physical, mental, and financial health for the better.
Below are some tips to help you out if you don’t know where to start.
Physical Health
When most people think of health, they think of the body, so it makes sense to start here, as your body affects almost everything you do in life. To be more healthy physically, you need to really think about what you’re putting into your body before you do. Things like cigarettes, alcohol, and junk food, for example, can make you feel sluggish and can have some serious health implications, like cancer. To improve your physical health, you need to try to cut down (if not cut out completely) these unhealthy things, drink plenty of water, and eat three healthy, balanced meals a day. Writing a diet plan is a great way to keep up your healthy eating. You also need to have some sort of exercise plan and be a bit more active.
Mental Health
Improving your physical health is essential for improving your mental health and vice versa. Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs can trigger or increase the symptoms of mental health issues, so it really is important to do all you can to try to cut back. If you’re struggling to do this, then there is plenty of advice online, or you could go and see your doctor.
Exercise is also important for your mental health, as it triggers the release of endorphins, which help to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Writing down your worries and speaking to people you trust about them has also been shown to improve your mental health.
Financial Health
Few people consider their finances when dealing with their health, but money worries have the power to hugely impact your physical and mental health, so it’s important to deal with your finances too.
If you’re in debt, consider different debt relief programs, and speak to a financial advisor if you’re unsure as to what to do.
You should also learn to budget, and start saving some cash for different things, such as for a holiday, home improvements, or an emergency. This way, you don’t have to struggle one month, because you’ve had to pay for something that you usually don’t have to pay for.
Your health, whether it’s physical, mental, or financial is incredibly important, and can have a massive impact on your quality of life.
If at any point you are ever struggling with your health, it’s important to speak to someone and get some help, to avoid anything escalating and getting out of hand.
