Being Pro-Active: Taking Control of Your Physical & Mental Health

Taking a proactive approach towards our health essentially means taking ownership of ourselves and our wellbeing. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise and then seeking treatment, pro-active individuals take steps to prevent health issues from occurring in the first place. Being proactive about our health involves being aware of our physical and mental health needs, taking steps to improve our overall wellbeing, and actively participating in activities that promote healthy living.

6 Examples Of How To Be Proactive For Both Our Mental & Physical Health:

1. Regular Exercise: One of the most important ways to be proactive for both our physical and mental health is to exercise regularly. Engaging in physical activities for at least 30 minutes a day can help to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle mass, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Exercise has also been proven to improve our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels, improving mood and self-esteem.
2. Eating a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and maintain a healthy weight. A proactive approach to healthy eating involves planning meals in advance, cooking at home more often, and limiting the consumption of processed foods.
3. Getting Adequate Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for both our physical and mental health. It is recommended that adults get between seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Proactive individuals can establish a regular sleep routine, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and create a comfortable sleep environment to help promote better sleep quality.
4. Practising Mindfulness: Practising mindfulness involves being present in the moment and being aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgement. Mindfulness can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve mental clarity, and increase overall wellbeing. Proactive individuals can incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routine by practising meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
5. Regular Health Check-Ups: Regular health check-ups not only help to identify potential health issues early on but also allow you to perform your daily activities of choice at an optimal level. For example, visiting a chiropractor, massage therapist or physiotherapist who takes a proactive approach to care can help you in this and potentially help to prevent serious health problems from developing. 
6. Connecting with Others: Social support is important for both our mental and physical health. Proactive individuals can build and maintain social connections by joining sports clubs, volunteering, or participating in social events.

4 Ideas On What We Can Do To Help Become More Proactive:

1. Set Goals: Setting realistic health goals can help to motivate us to make positive changes in our daily habits. For example, setting a goal to walk for 30 minutes every day can help us to become more physically active.
2. Create a Routine: Establishing a regular routine can help to make healthy habits a part of our daily life. For example, setting aside time each day for exercise or meal planning can help to make these activities a regular part of our routine.
3. Keep a Journal: Keeping a journal can help us to track our progress towards our health goals and identify areas where we need to make improvements. This can be especially helpful for tracking our mental health, including our moods and emotions.
4. Get Support: Seeking support from friends, family members, or healthcare professionals can help us to stay motivated and accountable for our health goals. Joining a support group or working with a health coach can also provide additional guidance and support.

5 Tips For Making Healthy Habits Stick:

1. Start Small: Start with one or two small changes at a time to make the transition easier.
2. Be Consistent: Consistency is key to building healthy habits. Stick with the habit for at least 21 days to make it a part of your routine.
3. Track Your Progress: Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and see how far you’ve come. Keep a log of your daily activities, such as exercise or healthy eating, to help you stay on track.
4. Make It Enjoyable: Choose activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. For example, if you enjoy dancing, incorporate dancing into your exercise routine.
5. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead can help you stay on track and make healthy choices. For example, plan your meals for the week ahead of time, so you are prepared with healthy options.

In conclusion, taking a proactive approach towards our health can have numerous benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing. By incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, mindfulness practices, regular check-ups, and social support into our daily routines, we can improve our overall health and prevent the onset of chronic diseases. By making healthy habits a part of our daily life, we can build a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life.