GLOBAL HEALTH AGING

Feeling happier reduces or eliminates the feeling of being stressed. Thus, if we can reduce stress, we can reduce the risk of stress-induced illnesses. Excessive or prolonged stress can lead to heart disease and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

During situations that make you feel threatened or upset, your body creates a stress response. Health needs change as you age, so it is critical to stay on top of your mental health to reduce the risk of such conditions, which are more likely to occur as you age. With those thoughts in mind, here are some ways to boost our mental health, which will have a knock-on effect on our physical health. 

• Exercise regularly. Exercise can release feel-good brain chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that can ease depression and anxiety. Choose a program or form of exercise that works for you, such as cardio-intense interval training or a more mindful and intention-driven yoga practice, or something in between.
• Eat a healthy diet, and avoid skipping meals, which can lead to fatigue and unhealthy snacking. Try to include fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, like avocados, into your meals, which will increase brain function.
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Not getting enough sleep has been linked with depression, anxiety, and stress. The recommendation for adults is seven or more hours of sleep per night.
• Always read medication information. Some medications, like levothyroxine, have side effects, including weight loss, increased appetite, and headache. Levothyroxine side effects can also be severe or life-threatening, such as heart attack and heart failure. Be sure to correctly use any medicine prescribed by your doctor to reduce adverse side effects and stay healthy.

Our mental health can seriously affect our physical health in many ways. It is, therefore, crucial to overcome mental barriers and breakdown the habit of keeping in how we feel. Speaking out and openly about our issues is critical in our journey for overall health.