We all just want to live full, happy lives and be the best version of ourselves. We know our mental health and physical wellbeing are crucial to achieving that, but it is striking the proper balance between the two that truly allows us to thrive.
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Here are 15 of my best tips to improve your mind-body balance:
1. Drink enough water.
There are enough articles out there on the topic that you already know how important water is to keep the body functioning optimally. Drink enough to avoid feeling thirsty and do it throughout the day, not all at once.
I’ve always found having a big water bottle handy (something around 32 oz) is what motivates me to drink water. Luckily, 32 oz water bottles come in all kinds of motivating styles.
2. Work your core.
Your core, or the trunk of your body, supports the rest of your body. A weak core can lead to back pain, especially if you find yourself sitting in front of a computer all day. A strong core will help you improve your balance, oxygen intake, and improve your posture. Creating a small space with rubber lock tiles in your apartment to do body exercise a bit every day will help you a lot to strengthen your core.
3. Eat vegetables at every meal.
Most of us aren’t eating enough vegetables on a daily basis. We need the fiber to aid in digestion, not to mention all of the vitamins and nutrients they provide. What you put in your body does affect the way you feel on daily basis, whether you realize it or not. To give yourself an extra boost, consider getting a NAD IV drip. Supplementing the NAD coenzyme can help boost energy, fight the effects of aging, and support and enhance cognitive function.
Building my meals to include 3-4 vegetable “points” each (AKA just 3-4 different types of vegetables) has helped me improve my intake significantly.
4. Meditate or do deep breathing exercises daily.
Mediation has many benefits, including an increased energy level, improved immune system, increased creativity and metabolism.
Even if you can’t meditate, you should do some deep breathing during the day. Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, wait 4 seconds and repeat 3 more times, for a total of 4×4. The deep breathing helps to give oxygen to your brain and can help you to feel a bit more relaxed.
5. Challenge yourself.
If you’re not challenging yourself, you’re not growing, and if you’re not growing, you’re standing still. It’s critical for us to improve ourselves to be the best version of ourselves.
A challenge can be a physical one or a mental one, but putting yourself to the test on a regular basis will not only help you push your comfort zone but also your boundaries. No matter what your challenge is, it’s going to push your mental capabilities.
6. Learn new skills.
Similarly to number five, learning new skills will also help you grow. Strike a balance between mind and body skills (and challenges) to see real improvements.
I love using Masterclass to find new topics to learn about and improve my skills. My friend and I also do virtual art nights every month where we try new art projects. We’ve done various sculpture, painting, and crocheting activities.
7. Try a daily probiotic.
Probiotics are good bacteria that keep your gut healthy and support your digestive health. I love my Ritual pro-biotic and take it daily for best results. They have traceable ingredients which I appreciate as a conscious consumer.
8. Strength train.
Strength training requires extra mental focus as you need to hone in on the muscles you are using to really see results. Strength training (or something similar like yoga or pilates) will help you be more aware of how you are moving each part of your body.
As an added bonus, you will begin to feel stronger. Possessing physical strength makes us feel powerful in ways that sitting in a chair does not.
9. Cut back on coffee.
The effects of caffeine may be more harmful than you think. Not only can it disrupt your sleep cycle, it also can irritate your digestive tract leaving you feeling uncomfortable with an unknown cause throughout the day.
I personally love the taste and act of drinking coffee, so I limit myself to no more than two cups per day and don’t allow myself to drink it after 3 pm.
10. Practice your smile everyday.
I actually learned this tip from a girl in middle school. I saw her smiling at herself in the mirror and asked what she was doing. She told me she practiced her smile everyday because it made her feel good.
You might feel silly at first, but you’ll soon realize how powerful the act really is. You are watching yourself do something positive. Your body is making a positive movement, and your brain is watching you in the mirror. Give it a try. No one is watching but you.
11. Leave positive affirmations around your room.
Affirmations are strong reminders that we are strong and capable human beings. Seeing words that reinforce positive beliefs about us, weaknesses and all, can have a profound effect on your wellbeing and self-esteem.
Leave notes on your mirror, your calendar, your fridge, your nightstand–places you will run into them freqently that say things like:
- “You are enough to be successful.”
- “Today I am full of energy”
- “I can conquer any challenge I face.”
12. Drink apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has a myriad of health benefits, including many that balance the gut. Your gut is a critical part of your body because a leaky gut can wreak havoc with your mind-body balance.
Some benefits of ACV include removing toxins from the body aiding in natural detoxification, boost your energy levels, improve the health and appearance of your skin, as well as aid in blood sugar control and weight loss.
13. Read something new.
Simply put, reading improves our intelligence. No matter what you’re reading or how fast or slow you go about it, reading improves your vocabulary, your understanding of the world, and lets you live a thousand different lives in a lifetime.
If you couldn’t already tell, I’m a huge advocate for picking up a book–any book–and making time for reading on a daily basis.
14. Get a plant or some flowers.
I may be reaching but hear me out. I believe surrounding yourself with living things greatly improves your mindset and mood. I personally notice a huge difference in my mood when I buy fresh flowers for my home.
Plus if you have a plant or grow an herb garden, you’ll have fresher air to breath as it takes in your carbon dioxide and puts fresh oxygen back into the air.
15. Keep a body journal.
Do yourself a favor. Go buy a journal right now. Start today with writing down how you’re feeling, any unusual changes in your body, any pain you experience (including headaches, sore throats, pinched nerves, etc.) and keep note of them. You can go the extra mile by writing down what you ate and if you did any activity apart from your daily happenings.
This is crucial because we need to be aware of our own bodies. Not only are we the person who knows our bodies best, but we are our own greatest advocates when it comes to our health. Keeping a body journal will help you when your memory fails to remember the instances of unexplained pain, a missed period, or unusual spots on your skin.
Your body journal is a personal record that tracks your health but it also will put your mind at ease because you won’t need to actively remember your body’s timeline.
The connection between our minds and our bodies is a powerful one. Treating yourself right and honoring that connection will truly help you become the best version of yourself!
About the Author
Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the author of The Kidult Handbook (Simon & Schuster May 2018). She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure.
Website: genthirty.com