To improve and maintain personal health, it’s beneficial to focus on behaviors from each side of the health triangle: physical health, mental/emotional health, and social health. Here are three behaviors you can practice:
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Physical Health: Engage in regular exercise.
- Behavior: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, or yoga).
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Mental/Emotional Health: Practice mindfulness or meditation.
- Behavior: Spend 10-15 minutes each day practicing mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
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Social Health: Strengthen social connections.
- Behavior: Reach out to friends or family members at least once a day to foster relationships (e.g., a phone call, video chat, or meeting in person).
Journal for One Week
Day 1 (Monday)
- Physical Health: Went for a 30-minute brisk walk after dinner. Felt energized afterward.
- Mental/Emotional Health: Spent 10 minutes meditating using a guided app before bed; noticed reduced feelings of anxiety.
- Social Health: Called my sister to catch up; enjoyed the conversation and laughter.
Day 2 (Tuesday)
- Physical Health: Attended a yoga class for 45 minutes. Felt relaxed and more flexible.
- Mental/Emotional Health: Practiced mindfulness for 10 minutes during lunch. Focused on my breathing.
- Social Health: Texted a friend to check in; made plans to grab coffee later in the week.
Day 3 (Wednesday)
- Physical Health: Went for a 30-minute bike ride after work; enjoyed the fresh air.
- Mental/Emotional Health: Meditated for 15 minutes before bed; felt more centered.
- Social Health: Had dinner with a friend; shared stories and enjoyed each other's company.
Day 4 (Thursday)
- Physical Health: Did a strength training workout at home for 30 minutes. Felt accomplished afterward.
- Mental/Emotional Health: Spent 10 minutes on mindfulness before sleep; noticed my stress levels decreasing.
- Social Health: Reached out to an old friend via message; reminisced about good times together.
Day 5 (Friday)
- Physical Health: Walked for 30 minutes during lunch to break up my workday.
- Mental/Emotional Health: Meditated for 10 minutes in the morning, which helped set a positive tone for the day.
- Social Health: Organized a small gathering at my house for some friends on Saturday; excited about it!
Day 6 (Saturday)
- Physical Health: Attended a group fitness class for an hour. Worked hard and felt great afterward.
- Mental/Emotional Health: Engaged in mindfulness practice for 10 minutes in the morning; helped me stay present during the day.
- Social Health: Had friends over for dinner; connected over good food and conversation.
Day 7 (Sunday)
- Physical Health: Took a leisurely hike for 1 hour; appreciated nature and had a great time.
- Mental/Emotional Health: Reflected on the week with a 15-minute meditation session; felt grateful and relaxed.
- Social Health: Video-called my parents; enjoyed catching up and sharing stories from the week.
Reflection
Over the week, I noticed improvements in my mood, energy levels, and connections with others. Practicing these healthful behaviors was manageable and rewarding, reinforcing my commitment to maintaining balanced health across all areas of the health triangle.