How to Take Care of Yourself Physically, Mentally and Emotionally

When you take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally, your overall health improves. Your physician and fitness trainer might have told you about the importance of eating a healthy diet, lowering your stress levels and exercising. These and other activities can help extend your life and improve your self-esteem and outlook on life.

Eat a healthy diet of protein, minerals and vitamins. If you don't get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet, consider taking a multivitamin. Also drink water every day. Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNNHealth's diet and fitness expert, recommends that children drink between six and eight glasses of water a day, and says that people who are more active need to drink up to 11 glasses of water a day. Also watch the amount of calories you consume to avoid gaining excess weight.

Exercise for at least two and a half hours a week if you're an adult. Add an additional two days of stretching and weightlifting to your weekly exercise routine. If you jog or run and get your heart rate up faster and for longer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you exercise for at least 75 minutes a week, adding in an additional two days of strength or muscle training (e.g., weightlifting). The CDC advises children to exercise for at least 60 minutes a day for at least three days a week. Of course, you can always exercise longer if you want.

Meditate daily. For example, you could meditate for 10 minutes as soon as you wake and before you get showered and dressed. In fact, you can sit on the side of your bed and meditate for 10 minutes each morning. If you start to feel overwhelmed later in the day, sit still for one to two minutes or until you start to feel centered and calm.

Socialize with relatives and friends to create intimacy in your life. Share concerns you have about life events, news stories or local events in your neighborhood or community with your friends. Doing so can help you gain insight into events that concern you. When you spend time with relatives and friends, you also focus on their conversations, taking your mind off of chores, responsibilities or personal situations that you might otherwise worry about. It's also fun and feels emotionally rewarding when you're in the company of people you love and who you know love you in return.

Reduce your stress levels by getting outdoors and spending time in nature, listening to your favorite music or reading a book you enjoy. You can also reduce your stress levels by avoiding overworking and taking vacations. Additionally, when you work jobs that you love, your stress levels can lower. If you struggle to lower your stress, consider contacting a licensed medical professional and discussing your concerns with that person.