The psychology of health is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on the body as a whole, instead of focusing solely on the mind. A health psychologist creates a treatment plan that considers how psychological, biological, and/or social factors affect the physical and mental health of patients. To use the techniques of health psychology, no need to have attended a training or make an appointment with a psychologist.
Here are some simple and effective tips psychology of health, and living a better life.
1) It’s not in your head
Psychological states are generally considered to be all “in your head”. For example, people often think of mental illness as a simple imbalance of brain neurotransmitters. What many people forget is that your body is a complex network of interconnected systems. A muscle injury that requires rehabilitation will quickly teach you that your movements are not innate …
Taking care of your physical health is one of the fundamental principles of health psychology. This does not mean that you have to go on a diet, train yourself to run a marathon or anything else. Just focus on nutritious foods and exercise several times a week. Many studies have shown the beneficial link between exercise and mental health.
2) Be sociable
Social factors also tend to influence your state of mind. Human beings, by their very nature, are social beings. We seek the presence of others, we form communities, and even though we can not be physically close to each other, we connect in other ways – many years ago it was by phone and mail, now it is through the many social networks and online messengers.
Although social situations can also be stressful, in general, we need to be sociable to bring out the best part of us. Take the time to join friends or family members, or just chat with strangers in the subway, for example. Anyway, strengthening your social network is paramount.
3) Pay attention to your body’s messages
We often forget how to listen to the messages our body, but in most cases, if there is something negative or a lack in your life, your body will let you know. If you are tired, sleep. If you are hungry, eat something. If you do not feel well, take the time to rest and recover – you may not be really sick, your body may just be telling you that you need a pause.
4) Relax!
Humans are very busy people – we try to do as much as we can every day. Unfortunately, for most of us, this means that we are fully filling our days of work, appointments and other activities that are undermining and stressing us. Take the time to relax – note in your diary times of rest and relaxation to be sure to have the opportunity to recharge your batteries during the day.
At work, you can also relax: try to take a break every 50 minutes or so. A recent study found that the most productive people were not those who worked all day, but those who took a break of 17 minutes every 52 minutes of work.
5) Learn how to take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is an expression we often hear, in the field of psychology of health, it makes sense. Taking care of yourself means simply taking time for yourself. This practice could include virtually any activity, but some of the most common forms of self-care include:
Learn to say no. We like to be accommodating and accommodating, but sometimes it is necessary to refuse what has a detrimental effect on our physical and mental well-being;
- Speak with a friend
- To taste his favorite dish;
- Practice a hobby;
- To rest instead of going out;
- Order pizza and watch series on Netflix;
- Go see a movie at the cinema.
Again, the personal needs of each are different, and there is no wrong way to take care of yourself. During bad days, taking care of yourself can be as simple as taking a shower and putting on clean clothes. This depends entirely on you and your feelings.
6) Fail again, fail better
Samuel Beckett, an Irish writer, phrased this in a sentence that became a reference: “Try again, fail again, fail better. Do not let failures or rejections prevent you from enjoying your life or bouncing. Failure could be a knockout for your self-esteem, but studies have shown that retrying, even if you fail again, helps improve your self-esteem.
7) Ask for help if needed
Finally, even if you do everything right and use all the tips we have listed, you may need help. We can not substitute for a health psychologist. If you always feel that you can not find a balance in your life and do not know how to get out of it, do not hesitate to ask for help. It is important to use all available resources to help you live a better life. Psychologists and therapists are here to support you – use their skills.
These techniques may look like a pseudoscience, but looking holistically at the mind-body connection might help change the way we view other areas of medicine as well.
“Naturallotion” also recommended you to read this article: 7 Tips to be happier every day
And if you have any tips about the psychology of health please share with us!!