With our society growing ever-more health conscious in recent years, it’s become accepted that nutrition, sleep, and exercise are paramount to one’s health and well-being. A sensible and balanced diet allows our bodies the fuel and nutrients they need to run efficiently. Adequate sleep (for most, 6-9 hours) provides the downtime needed for our bodies to rest, repair, and recuperate from day to day stresses. Regular exercise, both cardiovascular and weight-training, enhances a person’s physical structure and endurance.

These are all crucial to living a long, productive life. None of these things are revolutionary; whether we tend to them or not is purely a matter of decision and discipline. However, there are other oft-neglected lifestyle factors that have a profound impact on our overall well-being. This article should act as a reminder of these forgotten aspects of a life lived in total health; I’m talking specifically about upgrading your mental and emotional health.

Meditation for Mental Health

Many think of meditation as intellectual exercise. Whether your meditation revolves around your particular spirituality and prayer or if it is just a personal frame of mind and focus is somewhat irrelevant in our context today. The idea behind meditation is to apply part of your day or week towards focusing your thoughts and centering yourself. Indoors or outdoors, at home or at the office, the great thing about meditating is that it can be done anywhere you choose. Mediation done at least three times a week, for 30 minutes per session, permits our bodies and minds to deal with stress, and stress is one of the leading causes of meager total health. Along with relieving stress, meditation can also increase relaxation, improve sleep patterns, decrease blood pressure, and slow the aging process (yes, the blue pill). Beyond that, meditation can promote a clarity of thought that will improve your performance at work and at play.

Connect With Others to Improve Emotional Health

Social interaction sometimes takes a backseat in our busy lives that are unceasingly filled with work and errands, but being surrounded by family and friends can make a significant impact on our emotional lives and, thus, on our total health. Drawing laughter, joy, and happiness from those whom you love and into your regular routine simply can’t be replaced by anything else. It’s an innate need. Connecting to that support, love, and interaction adds stability and heightens confidence in who you are as the ever-evolving man. A nice meal with family (GP Steak Au Poivre), serving in the community (GP Guide to Giving), or catching a great flick with buddies (GP 30 Essential Films) are certain ways to maintain a powerful emotional backing and carry out a healthy life. Nurturing these real world points of connection (Facebook and Twitter just won’t cut it) is a habit that is as important to share as it is to cultivate yourself.

It’s time to take your health to a new level.

Let’s continue the conversation: Tell us about the zen-like approach and social practices that keep you performing like a well-oiled machine, free from major breakdowns. You’d be surprised what simple changes can affect others lives.