Challenge Tips

Prioritize Your Physical Health for a Mental Health Boost

Did you know that a healthy lifestyle may improve or even prevent some mental health conditions? Your physical health has a direct impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Lifestyle factors that can impact your well-being, for better or worse, include:

• Alcohol and drug use
• Diet
• Exercise
• Sleep

If 1 (or more) of these factors poses a challenge for you right now, you can take steps to change it — and improve your health.

Your Action for Today

Identify one lifestyle habit you’d like to improve. Commit to change by writing down an action you’ll take beginning today. Whether it’s getting an extra hour of sleep at night, cutting back on fast-food or sugar, or taking that daily walk, make it measurable and achievable. Stay accountable by sharing your commitment with a friend or colleague.

Prepare for your new healthy habit with:

• 1 minute of gratitude: Close your eyes and offer thanks to each part of your body for its gift in your life: legs for moving, hands for creating, heart for loving, etc.
• 5 minutes of positive reflection: Read an inspirational passage from a book or website focused on personal growth and success.
• 5 minutes of physical activity: Try seated leg lifts and arm circles during a work or lunch break. All you need is a chair. Check out these easy exercise ideas for inspiration.

Celebrate your effort! Even a small change can make a big difference for your health when you stay committed and consistent.

Join us on day 6: A sneak peek - Learn (or do) something new for a mental and emotional boost.

Missed day 4? Catch up here.