Helpful hints for a strong body and mind
Google has been counting. It recently released a list of which health terms we, you and I, searched for the most last year. And the answer isn’t ‘how to lower blood pressure’ or cure a bad back. The most searched health terms of 2022 were how to get stronger physically, and how to deal with anxiety, depression or attention deficit disorder.
Let’s start with the physical. We asked two UH Wellness Coordinators, both certified personal trainers, about the most common mistakes they see from people new to the fitness scene.
“The main thing I have seen is we try to take on too much too soon,” said Tiffany Paige. “My recommendation would be just to start small. So if there is one goal that you're working on, just focus on that one goal.”
Paige suggests start by putting one foot in front of the other. “You have to start somewhere. And walking is the easiest place to start,” said Paige. “You may not feel like you're doing much, but starting with a walk 10 to 20 minutes a day is a great start.”
Fellow certified personal trainer, Laura Ussary, said the biggest mistake she sees people starting out is aiming high without a plan. “It’s not good to start out without process oriented goals. If you say you're going to lose weight, there needs to be a process. It may be that you want to lose five pounds, but what's the process to get to that goal?” Ussary says a process involves setting an exercise schedule. Be specific with dates and times. And write down a healthy eating plan, so you can prep your food in advance.
Finally, the other mistake Ussary wants you to avoid is going at it alone. She says have someone to support you and offer positive reinforcement, whether it’s a friend, colleague or neighbor.
University Health has a weight management program. You can also call our weight management team at 816-404-4633 to learn more.
Now let’s talk mental health or behavioral health.
UH Psychologist Jennifer Keller, PsyD said it’s understandable that people are looking online to help improve mental health. Unfortunately, she said issues like anxiety and depression require more work than a simple search can offer.
She said a good place to start is by taking care of yourself: eat nutritious food, make quality sleep a priority and add exercise to your day. “I know that people don’t want to hear those things but the body and the mind are connected and when you take good care of your physical body it also supports your mental health,” said Keller.
When searching for a mental health professional, Dr. Keller said that it’s important you find a provider who uses evidence based research.
University Health has several behavioral health locations, from downtown KC to Lee’s Summit. Some providers are able to offer telehealth. To get started, visit our Behavioral Health page for additional information.
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