Attention everyone! How you treat your body internally and externally matters. Let me further explain. Your routine should consist of diet, exercise, what you listen to, what you read, who you surround yourself with, and your overall health.
Let’s start with what you eat. Your body requires vitamins and other minerals to support your physical and mental health. You should ask your Primary Care Physician (PCP)to have a full blood panel annually, if not more often. You can be deficient in some vitamins and minerals, which can impact your mental health. An example is a Vitamin D deficiency, which can impact your energy level. Talking with your PCP or a dietician may help develop a health plan for you.
Exercise is very helpful for your mental health. It can decrease depression, anxiety, negative mood, and stress. It can also increase sleep, energy, self-esteem, and alertness. Another benefit is it can be helpful if you suffer from any other medical issues. An example of this could be diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, etc., Any type of exercise is helpful like, walking, running, yoga, Pilates, etc. If you have a medical condition you should speak with your Primary Care Physician to find the exercise regimen most appropriate for you.
Regular doctor appointments matter. You should be having regular check-ups and exams to ensure you are healthy and not suffering from any illness. Men and women should be getting their mammograms and (men) prostate exams based on their family history and age. Also, be mindful of your genetics. If your family has a long history of illness, cancer, blood pressure, diabetes, etc., your check-ups may be more routine than the average individual. Other illnesses can impact your mental health such as thyroidism, heart disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, etc., Also, pay attention to how you’re feeling around your medical team. If you don't feel like you're being heard or don't like the direction of your treatment, file a grievance and/or change your doctor.
What you watch and read matters. If you’re watching and reading negative things it will impact your health. Some examples are; social media, podcasts, YouTube videos, music, etc., This can impact your mental health. It can cause low self-esteem, low mood, over and under-eating, isolation, worthlessness, Suicidal Ideation, low motivation, or lack of energy. Remember, our thoughts affect our feelings and our behavior. Pay attention to what is not feeding your mind and soul.
Who you surround yourself with matters. The people around you can either uplift you or pull you down. Pay attention to your energy, who uplifts, who makes you laugh, who can you authentically be yourself around, who is honest, who is trustworthy, who makes you feel safe, who supports you, etc., It may be time to disconnect from some people, set boundaries, and seek new friendships and energy.
As a note, we are not medical professionals. Please talk to your PCP regarding diet, exercise, and any medical issues.