Here we are in 2022, and it’s time to make it your year. Our philosophy at iHealthOX is that your health and well-being should be a priority all the time, and there’s nothing like a new year to make it easier to commit.
Investing in yourself on various levels has been proven to be one of the most important things you can do to live a good, full life (emotionally, physically, socially, and financially)
As far as mental health is concerned, there is no single definition. When we talk about mental health, we are talking about how we feel, how well we deal with daily life, or what we perceive as possible in a given moment. Having good mental well-being does not mean you are happy and flourishing at every moment, but it gives you the ability to face challenges and stay resilient.
We’re sharing the three best ways to invest in yourself to improve your overall well-being.
1. Find Ways to Eat Better and Save Some Cash
Getting started on a meal strategy to eat better and save money means setting a manageable budget and planning your meals to meet your goals. Often this can start by cutting what you put towards takeout. Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for treating ourselves and supporting local restaurants. By making food more accessible to yourself, you can have a delicious and enjoyable experience! Regardless of that fact, don’t be afraid to experiment, go grocery shopping more often, and get healthy snacks you’ll enjoy. Buying just $100 worth of groceries and making a few meals out of it will provide you with more satisfaction than buying $100 worth of takeout.
We all deserve a treat every so often and this should be factored into your budget. Perhaps that treat is ordering in every week or two, which you can work into your overall budget and meal planning.
Want to cook more but you don’t know the difference between a wok and a cast-iron skillet? Try attending a virtual cooking class! You can expand your social network and save costs in the long run by learning how to cook wallet-friendly, healthy, enjoyable meals.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have trouble sticking to your budget at first. If you need extra support, explore health and/or financial coaching to get matched with the right strategies and tools for you.
2. Get Outside and Be Active to Improve Your Overall Health
This year, make a commitment to get outside and move by walking, biking, hiking, skiing, running more, and driving less. The benefits of staying active go far beyond your physical health and fitness. You will notice that stepping outside and getting fresh air can mean big gains for your mental well-being. There are mental health professionals who recommend that individuals take at least one walk on a daily basis if they want to improve their mental state. Exercise is known to boost energy levels, improve mood, and reduce stress. In addition to increasing serotonin levels, exercise can balance brain chemistry, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Spending time in nature (park or forest) has been proven to have additional benefits! According to studies, channelling your inner Thoreau (American naturalist and philosopher) can help you change a depressed, anxious, or stressed mood to one that is calmer and more balanced.
3. Spread Kindness in Your Day-to-Day Life
If you want to improve your psychological well-being, then helping someone in need, volunteering for community activities, or donating to a charitable organization are a few ways to make that happen, especially during difficult times such as now.
Making a difference in someone’s life helps give you meaning and purpose and can also put you in a positive frame of mind. We recommend practicing kindness (big and small) as part of your daily life to have a positive impact on your well-being.
If you need guidance on how to make personal well-being a 2022 priority, chat with our iHealthOX Care Team to determine the best strategies for you.
Sources:
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=49016
https://www.verywellmind.com/improve-psychological-well-being-4177330
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing
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