Make Yourself a Priority

The health triangle serves as a graph for measuring someone’s mental, physical, and social health.  Health is more than being fit enough to lift weights and eat a healthy diet. True health encompasses all aspects of wellness, including physical health, mental health, and social health. Making decisions about what you eat, how you move your body, and who you spend time with affects your risk of disease and your health overall. 

Resource Tip:  For more specifics – check out: What is Health Triangle?

Physical

Physical health involves anything related to your body – including exercise, what you eat, your weight, and sleep intake.  As we age – the physical aspects become even more important.  From an exercise perspective – there are numerous gyms that you can join.  Many of them have classes you can participate in – from pool activities to yoga to strength training.  Grab a friend and join a club together.  Having another companion there might encourage you to go!

Another aspect of your physical health is what you eat.  Are you eating healthy – following the suggestions from your doctor?  Are you limiting processed foods and sticking to the outside aisles of the grocery store?

Lastly – are you getting enough sleep?  They recommend between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night.  When I read that online, I was surprised by how much less sleep I get than recommended!

Mental

Mental health includes your emotional well-being – your inner thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and emotions and how you talk to yourself.  Being mentally well means being able to handle life’s difficulties and overcome feelings of stress and anxiety. 

If there are things that you’re anxious about – perhaps start journaling about it?  Connect with a trusted person (family, friend, or professional) who you can talk to.

Have you considered yoga?  A friend of mine recently gave a Toastmasters speech about the benefits of yoga and how it’s a great stress reliever.  It’s an activity that anyone (of all ages and physicality’s) can participate in. 

Have you established a daily routine – or set daily goals for yourself?  Getting into a routine could be calming because it creates predictability, lowers anxiety, and reduces decision-making – which can give you a sense of control and accomplishment.  In my case – structure allows me to better relax.

Social

Then there is the social aspect of the health triangle.  Social health deals with the way we react to people in our environment.  These include family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, peers, and the public.  I think this is one aspect of the health triangle that people tend to skimp on but should not.  I will be the first to admit – I’m not a social person – more of an introvert.  I then look at my MIL and she’s a social butterfly.  She is constantly keeping up with her friends and family, and this is important.  Many a time we are out to dinner and there is someone at the restaurant that she knows.

How can you become more social?  Look at the local library.  I get a weekly email of all the activities that occur there – from book clubs to different classes (anything from excel help to crocheting). 

Within your neighborhood – is there a book club you can join – or can you start one?  I’m part of a book club at my old condo building, and I love it.  Some might call it a “wine club” but we do talk about the book!  This is a great way to interact with others and broaden your horizons with different literature.  Before my book club, I was never a fan of historical fiction and now it’s most of what I read – besides murder mysteries!

Check out local Facebook clubs for your area.  There are always different activities people post about – whether it’s a local walking club or a trip to a museum or even board / card game nights.  There are plenty of ways to get more social.

Have you considered volunteering?  Find something you feel strongly about.  Think about causes like animals, environment, kids, seniors, or housing.  Use the internet to find any specific causes near you and sign up.  Not only will it make you feel better to help others, but it will also help all aspects of the health triangle.

Lastly – and one I highly recommend – have you considered adopting or fostering a pet?  There are numerous shelters where you can do this.  I never had a pet growing up and didn’t adopt a dog until I was married.  I can’t tell you how great it is to come home to someone who has an undying love for you.  I can be gone for 15 minutes, but my dog acts like I’ve been gone for hours.  The kisses and hugs when I return are like nothing else.  Having a dog meets all the requirements of the health triangle.  My husband and I walk our dog four times a day.  If you can believe it, we walked our last dog 5-6 times a day!  It’s a great way to get exercise for your dog and yourself – not to mention – you meet people in the neighborhood.

When the three aspects of the health triangle are strong and integrated, you experience optimal health and a higher quality of life.   Everyone should strive to continue to strengthen their body and mind – especially in the Golden Years.