Your Heart, Your Head, and Your Whole: Holistic Health Strategies for Daily Life

A good head-to-toe health strategy is critical for everyone, regardless of age, career, or ability. Incorporating these kinds of healthy strategies into your everyday life is easier than it may sound. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you need to take care of your body and mind in order to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle:

For your heart: Pay attention to your diet

While a “fad” diet is probably not your best option, changing your lifestyle to accommodate different foods and bring out certain nutrients is one of the best ways to establish your physical health and get the best nutrition you need to maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle. Some foods, in particular, to keep your eye on:

●      Omega-3 fatty acids

●      Good fats (e.g. avocado, olive oil, full-fast yogurt)

●      Complex carbohydrates

●      Nuts

●      Whole grains

Heart-healthy foods are especially important to keep in mind as you shift your diet around. The Omega-3 fats, nuts, and whole grains from the list above are all foods you can eat every day to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and squash are great veggies to incorporate into your meals, as well.

For your head: Pay attention to your mental health

Mental illness is nothing to ignore. It’s also one of the more stigmatized health concerns. In order to make sure you are projecting your best self into the world and staying positive, there are a few things you can do every day to improve mental health.

●      Do you like warm beverages? Begin your day with a cup of coffee and end it with a cup of relaxing herbal tea.

●      Take up meditation and mindful relaxation for five to ten minutes per day.

●      Spend time in nature and away from the screens of your television, computer, and smartphone.

●      Do short bursts of exercise.

●      Get quality rest at night.

All of these activities together can lead to better feelings of mental health overall. Note that for severe depression or anxiety, it’s important to talk to your doctor as well as a trained therapist.

For your whole: Pay attention to your teeth

One of the most important parts of your overall health and wellness comes from your mouth. Poor oral health can lead to serious health issues like gum disease or even diabetes. And depression and oral health issues have closely been linked. Numerous studies reveal that depression and mental health are closely linked. Feelings of depression can lead to oral health neglect, which, in turn, can contribute to feelings of depression, and it can become an ongoing cycle.

To ensure proper oral health, make a point to brush and floss twice a day; be sure to brush for at least two minutes to help remove plaque and bacteria. If you have overcrowding in the mouth, removing plaque and bacteria can be more challenging. To counteract this problem, a common solution is misalignment treatment. For severe misalignment, most people will need braces. Anyone with minor overcrowding, however, is a likely candidate for an aligner system. As an added bonus, a straighter smile will boost your self-confidence, which has head-to-toe benefits as well.

All parts of the whole

Your head, your heart, and your teeth are all connected to your body, and keeping all of these systems healthy is a full-time job. Through commitment and dedication, you can stay on track for true head-to-toe health.