It is something that is often forgotten: healthy lifestyle and habits are essential for good mental health. We often relate health only to the physical realm related to our body.
Despite the popular classic Latin assertion “Mens sana in corpore sana”, there are still people who do not relate the habits of eating, rest, physical exercise, consumption of tobacco, alcohol, etc., with the maintenance of their psychological balance. Fortunately, perception is changing and there is beginning to be greater awareness of the need to lead a healthy lifestyle to have adequate psychological and emotional performance.
What is meant by a healthy lifestyle?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. The healthy lifestyle refers to the set of behaviors that make it possible. It covers aspects as varied (and at the same time related to each other) as diet, physical exercise, work, social life, health prevention and the relationship with the environment.
The WHO itself recommends following a healthy lifestyle that takes care of all these aspects. If our psychological state is good, this will have an impact on our physical state. And vice versa.
The best healthy habits for psychological health
Feeding
It is essential to follow a balance diet that includes all the necessary macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for the body to function correctly and be able to prevent possible diseases. Each person has specific nutritional needs depending on their level of physical activity, their age and their health.
In this sense, it is essential to maintain regular meal times, eat without haste, increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables and reduce sugar and fats, especially saturated fats.
The hydration is another essential aspect. It is recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Physical exercise
The WHO recommends doing 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity in the case of adults. Likewise, it is advisable to lead an active lifestyle that helps balance the energy we ingest through food and the energy we burn.
In this way, we will maintain the health of our musculoskeletal system and contribute to the prevention of different diseases, such as hypertension and cholesterol.
In this regard, as much as possible, it is advisable to reduce time in front of the computer or television and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Walking, dancing, practicing yoga, swimming… try to incorporate some of these activities into your daily life.
Rest
Lack of sleep can cause a bad mood, fatigue, a low mood and, in extreme cases, such as insomnia, it is usually a symptom of and trigger of different psychopathologies. It is recommended to sleep between 7 and 8 hours each night.
Personal hygiene
Adequate hygiene will help us prevent infections and other pathologies resulting from harmful hygiene and cleaning habits.
Harmful habits
The consumption of coffee, tobacco, alcohol and drugs has a very harmful effect on our health.
Environmental pollution
The pollution and toxic products that reach us through the air we breathe are also harmful.
Social life
“The human being is a social animal by nature” is another classic phrase from the Greek philosopher Aristotle. We develop this social dimension throughout our lives, since we need similar others to carry it out. And it is essential for good psychological functioning. A state of isolation has very serious consequences for people.
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