There are three primary areas of life that contribute to your overall health. Read on to learn more about them!
Physical Health
This is your ability to complete daily tasks, participate in activities and the general functioning of your body. It includes your diet and nutrition, getting enough exercise and sleep, and hygiene. Poor physical health can increase negative feelings and impact your relationships.
Ways to improve your physical health:
- Eliminate screen time one hour prior to bed
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Park further away from your destination and walk
- Brush your teeth daily and schedule regular dental check-ups
Don't forget to play! Activity stimulates your brain and body. It brings enjoyment, confidence and achievement.
Emotional Health
Emotional health is the ability to accept and manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It includes feeling all the joyful moments in life; as well as to cope with stress, grief and problems that arise. Emotional distress makes you more susceptible to physical illness and can negatively impact relationships.
Ways to improve emotional health:
- Read a new book or listen to music
- Sit in the sun and enjoy nature
- Take care of house plants or do woodworking
- Work on a puzzle or take up colouring
Social Health
This encompasses our relationships with friends, family, peers and co-workers. It includes how we communicate, seek and lend support, and care for others. Forming meaningful relationships with others helps to reduce stress and promotes good emotional and physical health.
Ways to improve your social health:
- Phone a friend
- Cook for someone
- Join a community class or volunteer
All three of these areas of health are interconnected. Neglecting one will impact the others. Take time to reflect on each area, identify behaviours you can control and take steps to improve your health.
Meeting with a physical therapist is a way to invest in your well-being. Through discussion with you we can help identify areas to improve your health and create a structured plan with you.
We’ve put together a handout of this information which you can download below and keep for review or pass on to anyone else you think would benefit from this information!
