As we are officially one month into the new year, you may still be thinking about goals and resolutions you would like to put in place. Or, maybe you’re struggling to figure out how to pursue those goals or resolutions you may have already made over the past month. I wanted to take a moment to talk about the importance of including your physical and mental health; especially after 2020, and even the start of 2021 has brought great challenges in the area of health for most people. If there is one thing we have learned, it is to take care of ourselves and pay attention to our health, both physical and mental.
It can be so easy in the midst of chaos to not pay much mind to your mental health. We often get caught up in life and believe we simply don’t have enough time to give our own mental health such attention. Some may be hesitant to put their mental health first or seek help due to the fear of stigma, judgement, or shame. We are here to tell you that making your health a priority is one of the most beneficial things you can do, not just for yourself but for the people around you too.
As you may have read in our previous blog posts, mental and physical health go hand in and hand. That is why it is so important to pay attention to them equally. The stressors in life, especially when they are chronic, can lead to physical health concerns; and physical health concerns can also take a toll on your mind. So, how do you set these priorities, and how do you know when to seek help? Check out some of our tips:
● Have open communication with your doctor and/or health care team about your overall physical and mental health. When something feels “off”, don’t be afraid to talk about it with them- that is what they are there for!
● Do daily check-ins with yourself. Ask yourself how you are feeling both mentally and physically. You can also keep a daily journal or health log to track your own health if that works for you!
● Slow down when you need to. If you are feeling under the weather or like you just need to take a break, be sure to do so. Overextending yourself emotionally or physically can undoubtedly take a toll on one’s physical and mental health. It is okay to give yourself permission to take a break to refill your cup.
● Manage your medication routine and communicate with your doctor about any concerns. If you take medication, have a routine to manage that. Communicate with your doctor about any concerns, side effects, etc.
● Get enough sleep, food, and water each day. These may seem obvious, but this is just a reminder that these are imperative to keeping your mental and physical health in check.
● Make self-care a part of your daily routine. Self-care looks different for everyone. Whatever self-care means to you; whether you choose to focus on your mental or physical health, or a combination of both, be sure to include that in your daily routine. This is also crucial in keeping stress levels down and managing your overall health and wellbeing.
These are just a few ways you can start 2021 off on the right foot and make your overall health a priority this year!
