It’s important to recognize the vital connection between your body and mind if you want to live a balanced, healthy life. To improve your mind-body health:

• Relax your mind and body regularly. This helps you ward off stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems and more. Try deep breathing (which helps your brain calm down and relax), guided imagery (imagining yourself in a serene setting), progressive muscle relaxation (which can alleviate sleeping problems), mindfulness meditation (awareness and acceptance of moment-to-moment experiences) or yoga.
• Laugh. Laughter increases creativity, reduces pain and speeds healing.
• Get enough sleep. Not getting quality sleep can increase your risk of accidents, high blood pressure and feeling depressed. Adequate sleep helps repair cells overnight that have been damaged by stress, fatigue and muscle strain.
• Find a physical activity that you enjoy. Most people are happier, less stressed and sleep better when they’re active.