Exercise
When you exercise your body you needs to include three components:
- Cardiovascular exercise to increase your heart rate e.g running, walking, swimming, cycling, gym class.
- Strength to ensure muscles don’t atrophy and to prevent injuries e.g gym class, weights with a Health Professional.
- Stability to allow you to exercise and move throughout your life without injuring yourself e.g Pilates with a Health Professional.
Keep in mind you might have to figure out what you enjoy most and what your body copes with the best. Some of you might find that every time you run, you hurt your back or your knee, for example. If you see your Physio they can advise whether or not you need to strengthen these areas before you run…or maybe you need to choose a different form of cardio exercise such as cycling or swimming. Time will tell what works for you but it is helpful to be assessed by a Physio to work out the best type of exercise for you quicker!
Diet
With so many diet fads out there you have to figure out what works for you. This takes into account the time you have for preparation, whether or not you travel a lot, if you have a young family etc. It is different for everyone. Your diet must contain the correct amount of protein, carbohydrates and good fats. Of course, allow yourself the occasional chocolate or cake to avoid cravings, but take this into account and balance it out with your other food intake. It’s no good being obsessive about your eating habits as it can become all consuming and that is not healthy either! Speaking to a Nutritionist may also help and can help to eliminate bad habits and allow better habits to be formed.
Mental Health
Exercise is great for your Mental Health. This has been proven time and time again. Chatting to your friends is also helpful (and sure beats a text message!). However, if you feel that you may need to talk to a professional about mental health issues then speak to a Psychologist who is formally trained in addressing these problems and can give you helpful coping strategies. Gone are the days when it was taboo to speak about managing your moods, temper, feelings, or just coping with our fast-paced life in general. Your GP can provide a referral to a Psychologist.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the latest trend with people all over Sydney having a go at being more “mindful”…but before you brush this aside and say “I’m too busy to meditate”, listen to what mindfulness can do. If you devote some time during your day to just “be” this can actually increase serotonin levels. If you stick with it long enough, you can actually change brain neural pathways! Mindfulness is paying full attention to what is going on inside you and around you, moment by moment, without judging. It enables you to observe your thoughts, feelings, and the sensations of taste, touch, smell, sight and sound. You are fully aware of your surroundings. Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist meditation principles. However, anyone can practise mindfulness to improve their self-awareness and welbeing.
