Our physical health affects our mental health and vice versa. Most of us take our health for granted until we become ill or notice we aren’t functioning as well as we should be.

Remember that our physical health and mental health are not mutually exclusive; they are linked together. Haven’t you noticed that when you’re feeling your best physically, your mental health is at its best too? You feel happy, you’re in a good mood, and you’re able to make sound decisions.

Likewise, if your mental health is suffering – you’re gloomy, angry all the time, depressed – it takes a toll on your physical health. You stop eating, forget about personal grooming, take up (or renew) bad habits like smoking and drinking, and do things that eventually lead to illnesses and other physical sufferings.

Thus, it’s crucial that both your mind and body be fit. If you want to be in the best physical health and mental health, you’ll need to exert extra effort.

Here are 8 specific things you can do to sharpen your mind and make your body healthy and fit.

• Exercise!

It’s never too late to start exercising. The keys to getting into the habit of exercising is starting small and being consistent. You don’t have to go all-out and sign up for a gym membership right away and pump iron.

You can start small and simple, like taking 30-minute walks after your meals. If you have a bike, start riding it around the neighborhood or to the park. If you need motivation, find an exercise buddy. If you like socializing, check with the gyms or fitness centers in your area if they offer aerobics or swimming classes.

Once you’ve found the workout program you like, stick to it. Make sure you work out at least thrice a week.

• Change your diet…for the better!

Exercise and diet go hand in hand. You aren’t going to achieve optimum physical health if your diet consists mainly of unhealthy foods. Your body needs proper nutrition; otherwise, it won’t be able to perform properly.

Start incorporating healthy foods in your diet. Add fresh fruits or vegetables to your meals, cut back on the red meat, processed foods and junk foods, drink water instead of soda and artificial juices, and eat more natural, raw foods as much as possible.

• Get quality sleep Sleep is crucial to your mental and physical health. If you aren’t getting quality sleep, its effects on your mind and body are readily apparent the next day. Physically, you become sluggish, you feel burned out, you lack energy. Mentally, you have a hard time concentrating, you’re slow (or even unable) to make decisions, you’re easily disoriented, and you may even be quick to anger.So what’s quality sleep? It’s at least 8 hours each night. Go to bed at the same time each night. Avoid doing physically and mentally exhausting activities, as well as drinking anything with caffeine in it, a few hours before you go to bed. Like exercising, sleeping is a habit you can develop, and if you want quality sleep, you’ll need to discipline yourself.

• Check in with your doctor regularly…even if you aren’t sick!It’s recommended that you have a full physical check up at least once a year, and it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor regularly even if you aren’t sick. You can see your doctor for health advice. You can check in with him before you start on any new workout routine. If you’re planning to go on a diet, it’s wise to get your doctor’s opinion and approval. When you check in with your doctor on a regular basis, your doctor will be able to diagnose any health problems early.
• Break away from that nasty habit! We all have bad habits we need to overcome. It can be drinking too much alcohol, smoking or gluttony. Whatever your bad habit is, the bottom line is that you aren’t going to be in good physical and mental health until you break away from it completely.It’s easy to pick up a bad habit, but hard to give it up, which is why there’s a lot of alcoholics, smokers and obese people out there. It takes discipline and a strong desire to overcome bad habits.

  The good news is that once you’ve overcome your vices, you’ll feel better than you have in years. Even better news is that by breaking away from your vices now, you lower your risks of developing many serious diseases.

• Yoga for a fit mind and bodyYoga is a gentle form of exercise that can benefit both your mind and body. Physically, Yoga improves flexibility and strength. Mentally, Yoga calms the mind and brings a sense of well-being.
• MeditateEvery day, we’re beset with mental and physical stressors. It’s crucial that you take time away, even if it’s only for a few minutes each day, to “smell the flowers” so to speak. You can accomplish this by meditating for a few minutes every day.
• Take delight in everything you doEnjoy and have fun in everything that you do. Engage in tasks that you find enjoyable. Find something positive in the activities you do, even if you find some of them boring. Make a conscious effort to be happy and thankful each day. Develop an attitude of gratefulness and joy.

There’s no doubt that becoming physically and mentally healthy involves hard work. In fact, you’re bound to feel like giving up somewhere along the way, but remember to always keep your eyes toward the prize: a happy, healthy life.