11 Sep Lifestyle Balance
Research tells us that there is a great link between our brain and our body. Looking after our physical health is super important to looking after our mental health and vice versa.
The House Analogy
There are 4 walls to the house- physical, mental, sense of self and relationships. If any one wall starts to crumble the roof will become unstable, placing more and more tension on the other three walls, until they also start to crumble.
Lets take the example of Joe Blogs, Joe recently lost their job. Joe’s job had given them a sense of purpose, and without this they begin to feel sad, and develop a sense of purposelessness. With this Joe’s mental health wall starts to crumble. They begin to isolate themselves, finding it difficult to speak with friends and family about their experience, their relationship wall is now crumbling too. With an increase in social isolation and feelings or sadness, anger, and loneliness, they stop going out to the gym, stop walking the dog and stop cooking meals for themselves, eating more take out or not eating at all. In combination, they don’t have the energy for household chores and the housework begin to pie up, Joe’s physical health wall is now crumbling, leaving only a sense of self. Well without all the other walls in-tact, being able to practice mindfulness, spend time in nature, participate in hobbies all become an added difficulty, and now the sense of self wall is also starting to crumble.
In summary, its vital to look after all of our walls! Here’s some ideas to get you started looking after your lifestyle balance.
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Physical Health |
Mental Health |
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Eat healthy and regular meals Exercise Good physical hygiene Have a safe, calm and comfortable place with a roof over your head Make your environment look as you want it to. Avoid drugs and alcohol Drink water Regular GP check ups Take medication as directed Get quality and quantity sleep De-clutter |
Seek help from personal and professional supports Practice mindfulness Keep a thought journal or brain dump Practice noticing and naming your thoughts and emotions Practice regular breathing activities Understand what is in your circle of control and what is outside Practice self soothing and grounding exercises using your 5 senses Notice any unhelpful thinking styles and challenge these Practice self reflection Set SMART goals and reflect on these |
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Relationships |
Sense of Self |
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Communication is key- honest, open and assertive- practice I statements Quality time Set healthy boundaries Ask for support Develop trust and respect Have fun with others Know and communicate when you need alone time Develop connection and intimacy |
Practice creativity- draw, paint, music, dance Get out in nature Immerse in your senses- have a bath, light a candle, cook good food Understand and stick to your values- what is important to you Laughter Reflect on your achievements Set goals and develop a sense of purpose through work and hobbies Yoga and mindfulness |
If you are struggling to get the balance right, contact our psychologists at Prosper who will work with you to get your life balanced in the way you want it to be.
