Did you know that more than 85% of people in the United States feel healthy and fit?
Gym sessions and a balanced diet, however, make up only a small fraction of the factors influencing health. The triangle of health is a simple way to audit yourself and ensure you’re on the path toward a healthy and happy future. To upgrade physically, mentally, and emotionally, there are a few things to do.
Read below if you want to learn about the best health triangle examples. This will help you build a stable foundation in life!
What Is the Health Triangle?
Some people mistake the health triangle for a food pyramid, however, they don’t serve the same purpose.
Unlike a food pyramid, the health triangle dives deeper into a person’s well-being. When people build a health triangle, they can balance their physical condition, happiness, and social life. All of these unique factors contribute to a fulfilling life where you don’t need to rely on substances.
To achieve optimal health, you must be willing to work on yourself and enjoy the beauty of your evolution.
Health Triangle Examples
Proper sleep, good hygiene, and drinking water are some of the most basic examples within the health triangle.
Physical health (exercise and nutrition) is often emphasized the most in life, but other factors are playing a role. Mental health has only recently taken the spotlight and many people are trying to meet this need by talking to a therapist. Unfortunately, social health (relationships and communication) often get overlooked.
You don’t have to look far to find examples of the health triangle already in your life. By learning more about each side of the triangle, you can prevent one side from falling in. Below you can find more details about each side of the health triangle.
Physical Health
Although physical health often relates to hygiene, you’ll have to go deeper to strengthen this side of the triangle.
Recent studies show that more than 80% of children and 27% of adults don’t meet daily activity levels. Getting out and staying physically fit can add years to your life and keep your numbers down on the scale. If you’re still not feeling balanced after weight loss, you may want to consider other aspects of physical health.
Stay Active
Most medical professionals recommend that you be active for at least 30 minutes each day.
Getting off the couch won’t count as a workout, especially if you’ve been binge-watching shows all day. Although it’s difficult to stay active with most of the country under heat warnings, there are ways to stay fit. Gyms, fitness classes, and home yoga are great ways to strengthen muscles and your physical fitness.
If you don’t want to over-exert yourself, going on walks can help. Many recovering addicts and alcoholics use daily walks to unwind and de-stress. You can also take the kids or dogs to the park and play with them to build a bond and improve yourself.
Avoid Substance Use
Alcohol, drugs, and tobacco can crumble a stable triangle – even if you’re physically fit.
When someone becomes dependent on a substance, it can quickly impact their physical health and brain functioning. Someone that is normally calm may be erratic and angry when they take substances. This substance use often impacts their ability to maintain healthy relationships and stable jobs.
It doesn’t take long for drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to impact the body and appearance. Check out this drug and alcohol detox program if you want to find help! Detoxing and moving forward can increase muscle mass and even prevent wrinkles.
Eat a Balanced Diet & Hydrate
A major part of physical health involves what you’re fueling your body with.
Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water will help you reach your goals and upgrade your physical health. When you supply your body with the right vitamins and nutrients, you won’t feel as lethargic, bloated, or emotionally unstable. The gut and brain are linked, so if you’re physically suffering from low-nutrition items, you’ll also notice it mentally.
Water is essential for physical health, especially since your organs rely on it to increase muscle and flush toxins. If you’re working out or going through a detox period, make sure you increase your water intake to accommodate your needs.
Mental Health
Without proper sleep and a positive mindset, it’s easy to get consumed by fears and stress.
If you want to improve your mental health, there are a few other strategies you can try. Since each person has a unique history and health conditions, some may be more effective than others. To find a true balance within your triangle, however, you need to work on each area mentioned below.
It’s impossible to predict the future or change the past, but it’s all people can think about.
Many people get caught up in their minds and imaginations that they don’t realize their health is declining. Mindfulness can help you emotionally and people see improvements in concentration. Instead of relying on prescriptions or self-medicating, you can practice mindfulness.
Finding ways to notice and show gratitude is a great habit. You can also try meditation, where you let your thoughts flow, without judgment. Being in the moment can strengthen your mental health, which also impacts your relationships and physical health.
Attend Therapy Sessions
Going to therapy won’t provide you with all the answers, but it can give you the tools to navigate them.
Therapists can offer you a safe place to express and explore your emotions. If you tend to get caught up in stress, fear, or anger, therapy can improve your mental functioning so you can focus on better things. Once negative thoughts and emotions consume you, it’s hard to find relief and support.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist or talk to your doctor. If you’re feeling like your mental health is declining, this is a good place to start.
Social Health
Without family and friends, you will lack support for a healthy life.
Many people drink alcohol or take substances because they feel alone, only isolating themselves even more. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, you must have people you can confide in and develop with. Not only will increasing your social circle keep you from boredom, but it can also expose you to new opportunities.
Keep reading below to learn about some of the most effective ways to increase social health!
School
Students of all ages get a daily opportunity to strengthen their health triangle regarding the social side.
Schools play a critical role in the development of children and young adults. They provide opportunities for you to meet other people around the same age and area. Teachers encourage positive interactions to ensure each person feels safe and respected.
At times, bullying and other factors associated with school can have negative impacts on social health. Strengthening your physical and mental well-being will give you the strategies to overcome this.
Work
As an adult, you may feel constricted and unable to make connections because of your work schedule.
In more serious positions, it’s difficult to find the time to make friends, especially if they aren’t in your industry. Making friends at work and growing your social circle can make your job easier and more enjoyable. This will reduce stress, which many people are feeling overwhelmed with.
Another reason to be social at work is if you want to develop your career. Social connections are considered networking, which can open you up to better opportunities and more money. Feeling stuck in a dead-end job can increase negative feelings and alcohol intake if you don’t have a sense of purpose.
Sports & Clubs
If you’re not having luck making connections at work or school, you should look at your interests.
Joining a team or club can help keep you on the path to success and health. You can sign up for soccer, cooking classes, or book clubs to create a safe community and find friends. This is a great way to increase your social health since it’s passion-driven and keeps your mind off of negative things.
Aside from sports and clubs, you can find other outlets to express yourself and connect with a community. Sharing interests can help you naturally develop relationships that are fulfilling and positive. Social media, gaming, and collecting items can also help you find a community of support.
Build Your Triangle
Triangles are one of the most stable shapes, they have a proper foundation and support.
Learning about health triangle examples can improve your well-being and help you get through tough times. When a portion of the triangle isn’t maintained, the integrity of the entire system is put at risk. Try to find balance in your life so you feel happy and fulfilled.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to find new friendships and support. Be sure to check out our blog for more content about health and improving your well-being!
