Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

          Around this time of year when the weather is cold and icky, one should think about their immune health as well as their mental health. Taking steps to keep your immune system healthy and your mental stress at bay can help reduce the chances of you falling ill. No one likes to be sick, so why not be proactive and try some preventative measures to keep your body and mind healthy? Starting with your body, there are several easy ways you can maintain your immune system in order to help you fight off sickness. According to https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/keep-immune-system-healthy , these 8 ways can keep your immune system running efficiently:

1. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Wash your hands.
5. Keep up with your vaccinations. Almost everyone who’s at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine every year.
6. Keep your weight healthy.
7. Don’t drink too much alcohol.
8. Don’t smoke.

           These tasks are relatively simple, but some such as maintaining a healthy weight or not smoking can be a major lifestyle change for some people. If this is the case then you may want to recruit the help of a professional such as a therapist or a doctor to help you with these changes.

                Keeping your mental health strong is just as important. If you are already practicing good physical health, then you are already making strides in maintaining your mental health. Some things like exercising, getting enough sleep, and maintain a healthy weight can help with your mental health. There are other things you can do such as writing yourself a positive note, saying affirmations, meditation, keeping a journal, and/or doing for others that increase your mental health. If you are having trouble and need more help with your mental status, please seek a professional therapist to help you get back on track. All in all, staying healthy is of utmost importance. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Make yourself a priority and do what you can to stay healthy!

Garcsa Brooks

Intern, Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc.