Your physical health is more important than just how you look in your skinny jeans. So often people forget that physical health affects overall health. Those who place more importance on their physical health are more likely to have stronger immune systems, less stress, less anxiety, and a better quality of life. Physical activity decreases the production of stress hormones in the body while increasing the production of endorphins.
Paying attention to your physical health allows you to improve your entire life. Not only are you more physically fit, your mind is sharper, your attitude is better, and you are less likely to be diagnosed with many health problems later in life. A healthy life is a happy life, and that’s what you get when you focus on you. If you’re not sure where to start, try starting your journey to better physical health with a journal. There are several that can assist you in your quest to find better health.
Table of Contents
Food Journal
A food journal is a wonderful way to start the journey to better health. A food journal is just what it sounds like. It’s a journal in which you write down what you eat, what you’re feeling, and everything in between. The key to succeeding in keeping a food journal is to leave nothing out. Did you have a sip of water this morning? Write it down. Did you have three breath mints? Write them down.
You won’t succeed with a food journal if you’re not honest about everything you put in your mouth even if it’s nothing more than a stick of gum. At the end of each day, go over your journal and write down how you felt that day. Over time you might begin to see patterns in how you feel versus what you ate that day. It helps you make a conscious decision to stop eating a certain way if you feel a certain way. Sometimes that’s the best thing you can do for yourself.
Bullet Journal
A bullet journal is a specific type of journal. It’s almost like a to-do list with all the bullet points, but it’s helpful. You can keep notes about your day. You can jot down what you must do, break down your goals into smaller goals so you can meet them more easily, and you can even use it as a personal journal. It’s yours, and you can do whatever you want with it. It’s going to help you see what’s on your mind, focus on getting healthier, and it’s going to help you clear your mind and live your life with more enjoyment.
Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal might not seem overly helpful in terms of your overall health, but it does have its perks. Most people spend a great deal of time focusing on things that upset them. Their upset mood lasts a long time, and their happy moods seem easily replaced. What sounds so good about spending all your time being mad and only finding moments of happiness in between? A gratitude journal forces you to spend time each day thinking of the things for which you are grateful. You have no choice but to put aside whatever else you’re feeling to find things that make you happy each day.
This helps you learn to focus on the things that make you happy, and it can help you improve your physical health. When you feel happier, you’re more likely to work out. When you work out, you feel good about your health. When you feel good about your health, you might make better choices when it’s time to eat. Perhaps you might pass on dessert because you’re feeling good about yourself that day.
It’s all a trickle-down effect when it comes to journaling and your overall health. You might find you benefit from keeping more than one journal to break down your feelings, your meal plans, and your food. You might also feel that’s too much, and you’re better with one journal in which you keep all your information. It’s a trial and error situation for most people. Do what works for you, make changes that work for you, and don’t worry about what other people are doing with their journals.
Each of these journals can help you change your life and health. Let them help you along the way. When you’re guided to making better decisions, you’re going to like the way you feel about them. When you like the way you feel, you’re going to continue making good decisions. All it takes is one step in the right direction.
