Being healthy can improve your productivity by improving your physical and mental capacity. When you focus on improving your health it helps your ability to be more productive. Productivity plays a huge role in your desire to work. When your health suffers, your work and productivity suffers.
Let’s talk a little bit about health. In my opinion it starts in your personal life. You have to WANT to be healthy - both physically AND mentally. The definition of ‘health’ according to dictionary.com is, “soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment”. It has to do with your body and also your mind…it’s in the definition!
Why is mental health so important? Well, in your personal life, if you have a healthy mind you are able to focus on what is in front of you and be more in the moment. When you have a healthy mind your body actually becomes healthier as well, it spills over into the physical. The absence of illness does not equal mental health, mental health is something that needs to be constantly worked on.
Science tells us that stress is horrible for the brain. Chronic stress has actually been proven to deteriorate the hippocampus. Your hippocampus is the part of your brain that affects your motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. Because of this, chronic stress can lead to confusion, lack of memory, lack of sense of humor, fear, anger, and irritability. Being stressed is absolutely horrible for your brain.
The good news is that we as humans are malleable meaning that we are adaptable and capable of changing. Thank goodness for that! A couple great ways to rewire your brain would be to seek out counseling or coaching. Both of these avenues can provide services to help you work through mental issues helping you to come out the other side more confident, and more prepared for the highs and lows of life. I read an article that talked about how men are less likely to seek out counseling due to the negative stigmas attached but are more likely to attend coaching. Although it is not the same as therapy, coaching helps individuals to shift their perspectives and be more motivated in all areas of life. Mental health is equally as important for men as it is for women so, guys, ditch the stigmas and reach out for help. Remember, this will increase your productivity!
Reflective journaling has also been proven to decrease stress and increase self-motivation. Journaling gives you space to release inner fears and stress while reflecting on past experiences. Keep track of your thoughts, feelings, actions and motivations by writing them down.
We all have work to do when it comes to our mental health. It’s not a race and it typically doesn’t change things overnight. However, you can take small steps everyday to improve your mental health which will help you come closer to achieving your overall goals quicker. All it takes is personal intention and consistency. Remember being mentally healthy in your personal life will spill over into your professional life. Being more productive professionally keeps you motivated and feeling healthy.
What is one healthy habit you'd like to implement this week that you feel would help improve your mental and physical health?
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