read time 4 minutes

Hello posse, welcome to Posana.

Real quick! Before we jump into today’s topic I wanted to welcome you to this community. This is a newsletter where I aim to bring you a 4-minute read every week to help you build your healthy life. Just 4 minutes, that’s all you need.

Today’s quick bites:

• Mental and physical health: two sides of the same coin

• The role of media overconsumption affecting our health behaviors

Mental and Physical Health: Two Sides of the Same Coin

We often hear the saying, “health is wealth”. While this is true, it is crucial to remember that health encompasses not only our physical well-being but also our mental health. In today’s fast-paced world, mental health is just as important as physical health, and both require attention, care, and nurturing.

I've noticed that when my mental health takes a hit, it directly impacts my physical well-being, such as losing the motivation to exercise or poor sleeping patterns. We often consider the body and the mind as separate entities, but they are deeply intertwined, each affecting the other.

Why Mental Health Matters

Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Poor mental health can lead to a host of issues, from anxiety and depression to physical ailments like heart disease. The CDC has claimed that depression has been linked to many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, and arthritis.

People with mental health conditions are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea. Both cause an unrestful night of sleep and can make health conditions worse. Just as we exercise to keep our bodies fit, we must also take steps to maintain our mental well-being.

Mental Health Hacks That Also Benefit Your Physical Wellbeing

• Get regular exercise

• Eat a balanced diet

• Get plenty of sleep

• Stay hydrated

• Take a break from screens

• Practice mindfulness

• Connect with others

• Get professional help when needed

The Role of Media Overconsumption in Our Health Behaviors

Have you ever considered how the message we receive every day influences our health choices? Whether it’s through social media, the news, or radio/television the media we absorb can significantly impact our mental and physical health behaviors.

Positive messages can motivate us to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices. On the other hand, harmful messages can lead to unhealthy habits, self-doubt, and stress.

Not saying that consumption of media is bad. But when was the last time you completed a task without doomscrolling? When you are completing a task or going about your daily routine while consuming media you are not fully experiencing your life to its fullest potential. A tip, that I should take myself, would be to have time restrictions for when to consume media. Could be 30 minutes in the morning (not first thing in the morning) but while sipping coffee, and 30 minutes in the evening such as listening to a podcast on your commute home from work.

Podcasts have become my favorite way to consume media because the dialogue feels like a genuine conversation. It helps prevent me from falling into a rabbit hole of overconsumption because once the podcast is over (however long it may be) I turn my phone off or switch to music.

Podcasts that I enjoy- Girls Gotta Eat, Jay Shetty, Pursuit of Wellness

Taking Action over Media Consumption

• Be Mindful of Media Consumption: Choose to engage with content that uplifts and inspires you. Avoid sources that promote negativity or unrealistic standards

• Cultivate Positive Self-Talk: Practice speaking to yourself with kindness and encouragement. Your internal dialogue is powerful in shaping your behaviors.

• Encourage Open Conversations: Talking about mental health should be normalized. Encourage discussions in your community, and amongst family and friends.

• Seek Professional Help When Needed: Just as you would visit a doctor for a physical ailment, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional if you’re struggling.

To your health and happiness,

The Posana Team