Mental Health
Physical Health

Physical Health

Body

The health of our body is crucial to our overall well-being and ability to function in everyday life. Factors that affect our physical health: 

  • Sport
  • Sleep
  • Diet 
  • Lifestyle

Sport

Engaging in regular exercise not only improves health but also has a positive impact on mental well-being and creates a sense of community. There are many different types of sports and activities that one can participate in, for instance team sports like basketball, soccer or individual sports like running or swimming. Joining a community sports team or group can provide additional motivation and support. What to consider when choosing sport:

  • Interests
  • Physical abilities
  • Time commitments

When participating in sports, start slowly and build up gradually to prevent injury. Proper warm-up and cool-down exercises should also be incorporated into your routine. It is important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Participating in sports can also improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting self-esteem and confidence, and promoting social connections. Joining a sports team or group can also provide a sense of belonging and support.

Sleep

Sleep is very important for physical health and well-being. During sleep, the body repairs and rejuvenates itself, alowing it to function properly. Sleep is vital for our health, impacting immune function, hormone regulation, and brain function. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, disrupts hormones, and hinders memory consolidation and decision-making.

It is recommended to sleep between 9 and 11 hours (children) or 7 to 9 hours (adults). Although for example the amount of sleep you should get varies from person to person. Following the advice below might help you to sleep longer and better: Creating a routine before going to sleep like reading or listening to harmonic music can help you to calm down. Another procedure you can do as well is meditating or praying before sleeping. You should turn off your mobile devices at least half an hour before going to bed so that they don’t interrupt you. Physical exercise before bedtime can make you flake out much faster.

Diet

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These disorders involve unhealthy patterns of eating, controlling food intake, fear of gaining weight and excessive exercise that can have severe physical and emotional consequences.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s essential to look for help as soon as possible. By seeking treatment, challenging negative thoughts, practising self-care, and being patient, it is possible to overcome an eating disorder and develop a healthy relationship with food and your body.                  

Improvement

Improvement is the process of making something better or improving its quality, effectiveness, or efficiency. To achieve improvement, it is important to first identify the areas that need improvement and then develop a plan. This often involves gathering data and analysing it. It can be applied to personal development, business operations, education etc. In fact, improvement is essential for growth and progress in any field.

Wim Hof

Wim Hof, also called the “Iceman” is a famous Dutch athlete who holds several world records, including the longest time spent in an ice bath, which was around 2 hours. He has some methods for improving your sleep, immunity, sports performance, your mood and general health:

  • Breathing technique
  • Cold therapy
  • And commitment to stick with the practice

Interesting facts about him:

  • He climbed the Everest in a pair of shorts
  • He competed a 26-mile run in the Namibian desert without drinking a drop of water
  • He stood in a container full of ice cubes for more than 112 minutes

The reason he could do all of this is that he is persistent, mentally and physically strong. Here is his book which you need to read!

Video

Links for further reading