So you want to make some changes for a better body and a clear mind? Maybe you have put this off for a while, but you may not realize that it’s actually much easier to quickly transform your body for a healthier brain than you might think. And no, it’s not all about exercise!
Of course, there are many benefits to exercise for both the body and the mind, but you don’t need to don a headband and become the next Richard Simmons! From moderate physical movement through enjoyable exercises to stretching in fun ways, here are some ideas.
Pay Close Attention to Your Diet
You know your body needs nourishment, but so does your brain. Eating the wrong processed foods and sugary drinks have a direct impact on not only physical but mental health too. Without nutritious foods with vitamins and minerals, you will gain weight and experience problems such as brain fog. For example, there are many benefits of protein for the body, but it also helps with cell communication, brain cell repair and transporting oxygen for mental alertness and clarity.
Try to be More Physical
Okay, so we know that exercise comes with enormous benefits. However, it isn’t that easy for a lot of people. Yet it only takes 15 to 30 minutes per day of movement to dramatically decrease excess weight and reduce physical issues such as high blood pressure. So, give these a try:
- Find enjoyable exercises you love, such as swimming, jogging, and cycling.
- Play more video games that encourage movement, such as VR boxing.
- Aim for moderate-intensity movement such as housework, walking, and dancing.
Quickly Transform Your Body with Sleep
There are people who get up at the crack of dawn, and there are those who love nothing more than spending half the day sleeping. However, what if both are wrong? Recent studies have shown that too little sleep can cause more stress and places extra demands on brain power. Yet don’t go thinking you can sleep your way to happiness, either! Too much sleep means less movement and can contribute to weight gain, sore muscles, and the dreaded brain fog.
Reduce Stress in Your Life
Stress plays a major role in how you think and feel. Your job, general lifestyle, and in-laws are common sources of excess stress. While you can’t really run away from any of these, there are some ways you can reduce how much they affect you. You can manage stress with activities such as meditation, but this isn’t for everyone. However, deep breathing is known for its calming effects, and you can regulate emotions while getting fit with activities like yoga and pilates.
Keep a Social Circle
Social isolation and loneliness are believed to be at pandemic levels. All over the world, there are people who suffer mentally because they don’t have a social circle. This is known to result in physical issues such as obesity through depression eating, of course, leading to problems like diabetes and heart problems. Data suggests that people who engage with others on a regular basis are much healthier and happier, even if it is an online social group through social media.
Quickly Transform Your Body with Hobbies
Who doesn’t love an escape from life and responsibilities now and then? Of course, we can’t all go off on travels, but you can enjoy some hobbies. You may not think you can quickly transform your body for mind health with a hobby. However, a recent survey found that 67% of Americans have more than one hobby because 85% believe they are vital for a happier life. Of course, there are also hobbies that are great for you and the children so you can enjoy time together.
Active but enjoyable hobbies
Did you know you can have a ton of fun while exercising? Exercise should never be challenging or demanding, and hobbies such as hiking, dancing, and gardening can be intense enough.
Less demanding hobbies with health benefits
Of course, not everyone is a hiker! However, there are tons of hobbies that can reduce stress and provide moderate physical health, such as photography, cooking and even reading books.
Schedule time for your hobbies
What’s the point of hobbies if you don’t get around to them? Having hobbies can be a life changer and saver because of the physical and mental benefits that are usually provided to you.
Love What You Have
It’s sometimes easy to forget that there are many complex layers to privilege. For example, you are privileged in society if you are able bodied. Yet you can be privileged as a disabled person with a well-paying job. No matter how you look at it, everyone has things in their lives for which they can be grateful. Employment, a home, or friends are all things people should appreciate. Knowing how lucky you are is a core part of wellness and leads to a more content mindset.
Ask for Help When Needed
Everyone has problems that they need help with now and then. The worst thing you can do is keep things to yourself and try to deal with everything alone. The stress and worry of bottling things up is a common factor in eating disorders and other self-destructive behaviors. To stay healthier physically and mentally, ask for help if you need it. Whether you consult a professional or trust a friend, no one will judge you, and as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Quickly Transform Your Body with Water
Okay, so you know how diet plays a critical role in physical and mental health. Well, so too does water. Water and hydration are vital for helping your body and mind work the way that they should. Like proteins, water is needed for proper cell function throughout the body and the brain. Cola tastes amazing. We all know that. But while it is 99.9% water, the extra additives are extremely bad for you. Of course, you can also eat water with fruits such as watermelon.
Enjoy Some Stretching Exercises
Not everyone enjoys exercise at first. Around 1.8 billion people globally don’t exercise at all, including stretching. But even stretching offers health benefits too good to ignore. It’s also a great introduction to exercise if you aren’t used to it, and there are many ways to get started:
- Sign up for a local yoga class or even consider online pilates to get started.
- If you work sitting down, get up every half hour to stretch your muscles.
- Get together with friends to stretch and feel better before a group activity.
Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
There are entire books and countless papers written about the benefits of nature. Nature always provides, and you are no exception. Getting outside is one of the most beneficial things you can do for physical and mental health. The sun alone helps your body produce vitamin D, which is vital for bone health. Yet, it can also help reduce the chance of dementia-related illnesses and alleviate brain fog. However, just being around nature massively reduces stress and anxiety.
Summary
Changing your diet to include more protein and other vital nutrients will help you quickly transform your body for enhanced physical and mental health. Exercise is also highly advantageous, but it can be hard for some people. Fortunately, there are hobbies that help keep you moving, such as photography. Hobbies can also help get you outside more, which is great since being outside helps reduce stress and anxiety as you move around and get some sun.