Have you looked in the mirror only to realize that maybe you should be paying more attention to your overall health? Gaining weight, wrinkling skin and under eye circles are all signs that your health is being affected by your daily lifestyle. Headaches, anxiety and lack of sleep can be caused by too much stress in your life and not enough time to care for yourself. If you feel that you just don’t have the time to squeeze in any exercise for your body and your brain, you’re only cheating yourself. Here are a few ways that you can fit in some “me” time and improve your overall health.
Checking into Rehab
Have you been using alcohol and drugs as a way to cope with your everyday struggles? If so, you can easily become addicted to these substances and it can soon overtake your day to day living. Being addicted means you’re unable to control how much you drink or use and at times, you may binge use which can cause irreversible damage to your body. The first step is admitting that you have a problem. Answering yes to any of the following questions may mean you have a problem with drugs or alcohol. This includes:
- Do you feel using takes over spending quality family time with loved ones?
- Have you ever stolen money or items from friends or from retail stores to pay for drugs?
- Do you suffer withdrawal such as shaking and flu-like symptoms when you abruptly stop taking drugs or consuming alcohol?
- Do you have frequent outbursts of anger or aggressive behavior while using or discontinuing drugs or alcohol?
If you’ve experienced any of these issues, you may have a problem with substance abuse. Even though you feel as though there are not enough hours in the day, now is the time to seek rehabilitative help through a professional counselor or rehab facility. Just like an outpatient in Seattle type of rehab center, once you receive the right treatment, you’ll see a positive improvement in both your physical and mental well-being.
Visiting a Psychiatrist
Issues that affect your mental health are nothing to be taken lightly. If you’ve been experiencing things like depression, anxiety, mood swings or thoughts of suicide, you should seek professional help. Finding a psychiatrist or counselor who will treat your mental health is vital to having a productive and satisfying life. Don’t use the excuse that you don’t have enough time in the day to seek guidance on your mental well being. A psychiatrist will be able to discuss your problems with you and help come up with a possible treatment plan to help improve your mental health. This may include medication, counseling or life skills to help you with coping daily stressors or triggers. If you’re unable to go to daily or frequent appointments, ask about alternatives such as live computer sessions or phone appointments. They may be more convenient and accommodating to your busy schedule.
Squeezing in Physical Exercise
Part of improving your health overall is to get more physical exercise. The CDC recommends that the average healthy adult, get at least two and half hours of aerobic activity each week. This could be spread out throughout the week, as long as you are staying active. Find a gym that is open around the clock, so you don’t have to worry about getting there if you’re working late or early. Find ways to squeeze exercise into your busy routine. Take long walks on your lunch hour, or find a workout buddy who is also trying to improve their health. This makes you both accountable for each other and less likely to skip days of much-needed exercise. Getting physical activity in daily helps improve your moods, boost energy and reduce your risk for certain health conditions and diseases.
Finding Ways to Relax and Unwind
The most important thing you can do throughout the day is evade stressful situations. While we all know this can’t always be avoided, it’s important to learn how to deal with unpredictable stressors as they pop up. It’s important to find ways to relax so your body knows how to handle something negative. Fit in meditation every morning, along with yoga or moments of reflection. This allows your mind to rest and for you to gather your thoughts for the day.
Keeping on top of your mental and physical health is important. Taking care of wellbeing now will help you react positively should stressful situations arise.