Our overall well-being revolves around our physical and mental health, there’s no getting around it. While there is not a universal definition of well-being, most experts agree that well-being involves the presence of positive moods such as happiness and contentment and the absence of negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Maintaining a sense of health and well-being is especially important for individuals in recovery. To help keep your body and mind, and spirit and soul in optimal balance, we have a few suggestions that science shows can contribute to our overall level of function.
Take Care of Your Body
The mind-body connection is a powerful one. When you feel good physically your mental health benefits and vice versa. Although you’ve no doubt heard some of these suggestions before, they bear repeating because science has shown the merit of each and every one to our overall well-being:
- Drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day is the benchmark).
- Exercise on a regular basis. Research shows that regular physical activity reduces anxiety and depression as well as enhances mood.
- Eat healthy, nutritious meals (a no-brainer, but how many of us actually do so day in and day out?).
- Get the proper amount of restful sleep. Studies show that sleep deprivation is associated with a high rate of depression in college-age individuals.
Learn Appropriate Ways to Handle Stress
Self-medicating strategies are doomed to fail. Food, drugs, and/or alcohol may seem like the perfect solution for banishing negative feelings in the moment, but taking this route only complicates your journey back to balance. Stress is a part of life, as certain as death and taxes (and just as welcome!). Instead of letting stress get the upper hand, show it who’s boss by choosing to smile–through a tear or two if necessary! Research shows that nature is a great healer, so take a nature walk if you can. If you journal, vent your emotion on the pages or play with your pet.
Seek Help When You Need It
Reaching for help when you need it is always a sign of strength, and never a sign of weakness. If you had a broken leg or wound that won’t heal, you would definitely seek medical help. I can’t emphasize this enough–your mental and psychological health is just as important as your physical health.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals who understand addiction in all its forms. We use an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us today at 844-413-2690.