Your overall wellness consists of both your mental and physical health.  Physical fitness is commonly addressed, but awareness regarding mental health is rising as people are opening up about their emotional health battles.  If you are struggling with mental illness, it is always best to first talk to your doctor about care strategies, who may discuss dietary changes or prescribe you medication.  In addition to diet and medicine, there are several unique ways to boost both your mental and physical health that you may have never considered before.

Try a High-Intensity Workout

High-intensity workouts consist of exercising at a vigorous intensity level at your perceived highest level of effort.  They are more effective in a short amount of time, allowing you to fit a good session into even the busiest of schedules.  An example of a great high-intensity exercise is boxing.  According to Money Crashers, boxing is one of the best exercises you can do for both your physical and mental health.  It improves your overall cardiovascular and muscular health in addition to being fun and reducing stress.  You can find a boxing class that’s perfect for you at Ballard Boxing and Fitness!

Find a Fun Outdoor Activity

Exercise is commonly known to improve your mental health, as is being outdoors.  Find a fun and unique activity involving both to reap the most health benefits.  There are activities like hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or even parkour.  If you live near an ocean, surfing is another great option.  Not only is surfing fun, but there are many physical and mental health advantages of doing it as well.  It’s a great source of physical strength and stamina, focusing on balance and flexibility.  Additionally, you can experience stress-relief and a boost in confidence as you progress and overcome obstacles.  As a bonus, minimal gear is required to surf: all you need is an ocean and a surfboard.  Research online to find the best surfboard for you.

Take Care of Your Oral Health

Oral health is often linked to physical health, since poor care leads to issues like heart disease and stroke.  Less commonly known is the link between oral health and your mental health.  Studies have shown that gum disease and inflammation can cause or worsen problems like stress, depression, anxiety and even Alzheimer’s disease.  Proper oral care is important to your overall health, and routine checkups with a dentist help prevent disease and inflammation.  If you do not currently have a dentist or want to find a new one, you can search online for dentists in your area.  You can learn about the best dentists in Rancho Santa Margarita here.

Laugh and Sing

According to Talkspace, another unique way to boost your mental health is to laugh and sing.  The old saying that laughter is the best medicine apparently does have some truth to it.  Studies show that laughter can improve your immune system in addition to decreasing stress responses.  In fact, the body’s response to spontaneous laughter and forced laughter are the same.  Try smiling and forcing out a chuckle.  You may experience an immediate positive response in mood and stress levels!  Additionally, singing has similar benefits resulting in a mental health boost.

Whether it’s going to the dentist, grabbing your surfboard, heading to the boxing ring, or simply laughing and singing throughout your day, there are several unique and fun ways to boost your overall health.  Often, it can feel like a struggle or a chore to add new, healthy routines to your life.  With these options, though, adding a healthy hobby or two can be fun and exciting!

Guest article submission: Jennifer McGregor
Photo Credit: pixabay.com