10 Powerful Practices for Physical and Mental Health

Are health issues getting you down? Don’t give up! Learn how powerful practices for physical and mental health help me fight back against depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.

Physical and Mental Health are Connected

Mental and physical health conditions often affect each other. Let’s look at how depression and sleep apnea impact one another: 

• Depression can make it hard to want to exercise.
• Untreated sleep apnea causes tiredness, so you move less. 
• Not moving leads to weight gain, making sleep apnea worse.
• Weight gain and low energy make depression feel worse. 

Breaking the Cycle: My CPAP Story

CPAP therapy for sleep apnea started a good chain of events:

• CPAP helped me sleep better.
• Better sleep gave me more energy.
• More energy made it easier to exercise.
• Exercise made me want to eat healthier.
• Better diet and exercise helped me lose weight.
• Weight loss made my sleep apnea better. 

As I’ve worked on my health, I’ve found that small, consistent actions can significantly improve both physical and mental well-being. After researching, talking with my healthcare providers, and trying things out, I made a list of habits that have really helped me. Everyone’s path is different, but these 10 practices have made my life better. They help different aspects of wellness and can be adapted to fit your needs.

10 Powerful Practices for Physical and Mental Health

Here are 10 habits that have helped me most:

1. Outdoor Exercise

Moving the body is good for both body and mind. Being outside is similarly revitalizing. Combining the two can boost physical and mental health simultaneously.

2. Eat for Nutrition

Using apps to track what I eat helps me make better choices.

3. Medication Management

I don’t hesitate to take most medicine prescribed by my doctor. However, I was unsure about taking medication for depression and anxiety. After getting past feelings of embarrassment and finding the right dose with my doctor’s help, I am able to experience a broad range of emotions and function well most of the time.

4. Gratitude Practice

No matter how bad a day is, there are always at least three good things. Thinking about these with my son before bed is one of the best parts of my day.

5. Breathing Exercises

Different ways of breathing can help you relax, focus, or re-energize. Apps like Calm can guide you through breathing and mindfulness. 

6. Reframing Thoughts

Tools like cognitive behavioral therapy can help you think in healthier ways. You can learn to spot inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts and replace them with better ones.

7. Creative Pursuits

Enjoying music, comedy, podcasts, and books can help you feel better. Making music or art can be just as good. Gardening, crafts and other hobbies can also renew your body and mind.

8. Flexible Routines

Having some wiggle room in your routines can help you feel stable and adaptable to change. For example, spending less than I earn helps me handle surprise expenses. Aiming for a daily calorie deficit allows me to eat occasional treats while still eating well overall. Aiming for a range of weekly exercise lets me change my workouts based on my schedule and energy. Having a plan that’s both steady and flexible can help lower stress.

9. Therapeutic Writing

Even if I’m the only person who benefits from organizing my thoughts, it’s still worth it. Sharing my writing with others can start conversations and help more people.

10. Social Connection

We have shared challenges and needs, and we’re stronger together. Friends, family, therapists, religious leaders, and crisis hotlines (call 988 or text 741741) are all people you can reach out to for support.

Practice Physical and Mental Health In A Supportive Community

Renewal Hive is a blog dedicated to sharing personal experiences, practical strategies, and proven practices for physical and mental health. Like bees working together in their hive, we believe in the power of collective wisdom and mutual support. By talking openly about our struggles and successes, we aim to reduce stigma, inspire hope, and provide helpful ideas for anyone trying to get healthier. Whether you’re dealing with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, arthritis, asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or any other health issue, you’re not alone. Join our online community at RenewalHive.com, where we explore ways to practice, transform, and thrive in body and mind.

Disclaimer: This blog shares personal experiences and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns and before making any changes to your health regimen.