Eating healthy and exercising regularly is important for our health, but a healthy mind is just as vital to a healthy life. Here are several small things you can do to improve your mental and emotional health.

Be Kind to Yourself

For many of us, it’s easy to love other people. But, when it comes to ourselves, we can be our own toughest critics. Manage your expectations and practice self-compassion. No one is perfect, and we need to treat ourselves with the same patience and love we show other people.

Take a Mental Break

Our health isn’t just about the way we look or how well our body moves. A healthy mind is essential to our overall wellness. Make space in your day (even if it’s just a few minutes) for some personal time. Unplug from all your digital devices and spend the time doing something peaceful that you enjoy. This could be reading, journaling or gardening. Your only goal is to clear your mind and relax.

Spend Time with Someone You Love

Research has shown having positive relationships with our family, friends and co-workers don’t just make us happier. They also make us healthier. Spending time with loved ones boosts “feel good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine, making us feel less stressed.

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Make Time For Fun

Remember how much you looked forward to recess every day as a child? Once we leave elementary school, playtime is no longer a priority. But play is just as important for kids as it is for adults. Taking the time to do something you enjoy reduces stress, boosts your immune system and promotes muscle relaxation. Regularly spend time with a friend who makes you laugh or make time for a hobby that you enjoy.

Slow Down

In today’s hectic world, it can feel like every day is a race to make it to the bottom of your to-do list. Instead, try to practice downshifting. Practice enjoying the moment that you’re in instead of worrying about what you need to do next. Change your mindset from needing to feel busy to doing things intentionally because they better your life or your family’s.

Making small changes can have a huge impact on your well-being. It’s easier to make healthy choices if you take one small step at a time. So, this week, breathe deeper, eat better, stay active and celebrate your successes.

What small changes have you made? Let us know by commenting below.

Advice or recommendations are for informational or educational purposes only, not a substitute for a visit or consultation with your doctor.

 

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.