What does staying fit mean to you? When you hear the word fit are you imagining something to do with physical fitness? How can we expand our idea of what being fit means? These are all important questions to ask ourselves. In order to be fit, we need to look at our own physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
Physical Health:
When we talk about physical health people often imagine doing tons of cardio or ab work. While intense workouts have some benefits, the best way to stay healthy is to incorporate healthy habits into our environments. If you want to incorporate more exercise you might consider vehicle storage, setting up a designated space in your home for fitness, or signing up for a physical activity you enjoy. If you want to eat heather you might place healthy foods at the front of your fridge so they become your go-to items or follow a healthy and delicious food blog. If you want to take daily vitamins you might want to keep them in the kitchen or bathroom so you see them when you are in the mindset to use them.
Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash
Mental Health:
Physical Health and Mental Health go hand in hand. If we do not take time to care for our mental health we can not find the energy and commitment to take care of our physical bodies. If you struggle to get out of bed in the morning you will struggle on tackling that major project you have. If you are checking in with yourself and showing yourself kindness you will do better at work, at home, and in dealing with your daily challenges. In order to increase your mental wellbeing, you can try journaling or meditating. You might find starting a mood diary or making a gratitude list helps you keep life in perspective. And most important pay attention to yourself and if you are struggling more than typical reach out to a friend, family member, or professional in order to get support. We all go through periods of time where we simply need some outside support to be our best selves mentally.
Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash
Social Health:
Social Health is how connected you feel to others and to your community. Do you feel seen and heard by others? Do you feel like you are impacting others? For too many of us, we feel isolated and alone, which negatively impacts our mental and physical health. How can we reach out when we need support and how can we reach out when we see others could use some connection. Consider calling up someone you haven’t talked to in a while or mailing a set of cards or letters to your friends and family. A simple note that says we are thinking of someone can make someone feel amazing. No one is alone. Challenges that seem impossible to overcome can be conquered together.
Spiritual Health:
Spiritual health involves feeling connected with something which is greater than yourself. Spiritual health does not have to involve formal religious institutions, though many have great programs online, and now is a great time to try a few out in a low-pressure setting. Spiritual health could include getting away from people and into nature to ponder the wonder of a sunset or mountain or river. Spiritual health could also involve volunteering your time, energy, or financial gifts to organizations working on causes you care about. Spiritual health could also include reading a book, listening to music, or trying a new prayer practice. No matter what form it takes, remember to take care of your spiritual health in the same way you take care of your social, mental, and physical health. These all work together to allow us to be our best selves.
Photo by Antonika Chanel on Unsplash
Leave a Reply