Improving Your Emotional Health

While the benefits of physical activity have been lauded time and time again, mental health is just as vital for wellbeing both inside and out. Being healthy emotionally is linked to lower blood pressure, lower cortisol, better sleep, more resilience and a multitude of other benefits. Taking time to take care of oneself mentally shouldn’t be neglected. Here are a few tips for greater mental well-being.

Exercise Regularly

Physical and mental health go hand in hand for overall wellness. Exercising helps to release endorphins, a natural chemical created in the body that can promote feelings of happiness, and even increase cognitive sharpness. Exercise is also shown to help with mild depression and ease anxiety. Aim for three or more days of physical activity a week.

Spend Time in Meditation

Spending as little as fifteen minutes sitting in stillness, or while focusing on the good things in life has been shown to cause a dip in anxiety and stress, while improving cognitive abilities.

Have a Strong Support System

Having a steadfast group of friends, or family members that will listen during times of joy and duress is a pillar to a healthy, meaningful life. Support systems can be small or big, as long as they are positive influences. If one is looking for new friends, they should look at the things they enjoy doing to meet like-minded individuals.

Find Positive Ways to Cope With Stress

Some days stress is unavoidable, but going for a walk, or practicing deep breathing can bring relief. If a specific situation is causing stress daily, it might be time for a change. One should view this change as a positive new experience…

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4 Major Health Benefits of Yoga

Fitness and physical activity are a great way to improve and maintain your general health.  By engaging in physical activity, you’re giving a regular boost to your cardiovascular system, all while working towards increasing joint and muscle health.  While some may prefer a good run or regular weight lifting at the gym, others may take a different avenue; one that improves not only physical health but mental, as well. Yoga is a practice the incorporates the use of mind and body, by engaging in different poses, meditations, and deep breathing exercises.  If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to boost your physical activity, consider yoga for some of these major health benefits:

Improve Heart Health

Like other physical activities, yoga promotes healthy blood flow to your heart and other essential areas of the body.  Studies suggest that those who participate in yoga regularly have lower blood pressures than those who don’t, further reducing their risk for heart disease or other cardiovascular issues.  Additionally, yoga comes with the potential for lower cholesterol. While it’s important to remember diet also plays a large role in these factors, a good combination of a healthy diet and the right amount of physical activity is the best way to improve your heart health.

Decrease Stress & Anxiety

Yoga is known for its meditation and deep breathing exercises.  In a quiet relaxing atmosphere, those that participate in yoga can often experience a lower level of stress, and can better combat daily anxiety and worrisome feelings.  Multiple studies have shown that regular participation in yoga has drastically reduced the symptoms of anxiety, from mild to severe, by promoting new ways to cope with distress.  Yoga is also known to help decrease high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone…

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