When you lack good health, everything else in life suffers. It’s harder to concentrate and study. Illness can cause you to fall behind in your coursework. Stress can make you feel overwhelmed. If you want to do well in areas of your life, you must make your health a priority.

The Social Progress Index measures the social performance of 170 countries using 57 well being metrics. Globally, the U.S. ranks 35th on nutrition and basic medical care and 40th on health. These are not encouraging numbers, and they highlight the need for improvements.

However, you don’t need an expensive gym membership or a complicated diet plan to improve your health. You can get solid health and wellness tips.

The Effects of Untreated Mental Health Issues

Untreated mental health problems can get worse over time. What starts as mild symptoms can grow into bigger issues, making it harder to work, keep relationships, or enjoy life.

Worsening Symptoms: When mental health issues like anxiety or depression go untreated, they can get worse. What starts out as something manageable can become more serious and harder to treat over time.

Health Problems: Poor mental health can affect your physical health. It can make it harder to take care of yourself, whether that’s managing a condition like diabetes or eating properly. Stress can also cause physical problems, leading to pain, a higher risk of heart attack or stroke, and even early death.

Job Stability: When your mental health is suffering, it can be hard to do well at work, show up on time, or keep your job. Losing a job can lead to financial problems and even homelessness.

Incarceration: Mental Health America reports that “1.2 million people with mental illness are in jail or prison each year. Many times, their troubles with the law start with minor offenses like jaywalking or trespassing. States with less access to mental health care have higher numbers of people in the criminal justice system.” ****

Trauma: When our mental health is not in a good place, it can make it harder to make safe choices. This can lead to situations where people get hurt, causing trauma that can create more problems down the line.

Suicide: Many mental health disorders can cause suicidal thoughts. When untreated issues start to seriously impact someone’s life, feelings of hopelessness can take over. Call or text 988 if you or your loved one needs support.

Nutrition

1. ACE Insights Blog

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has a blog that shares fitness articles on many wellness topics, including yoga, strength training, exercises for beginners, and other ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. ACE’s guidelines and recommendations provide a reputable foundation for all the articles.

2. The Art of Healthy Living

The Art of Healthy Living offers articles and reviews on various topics, such as exercise supplements and high-intensity interval training. It also covers food, nutrition, and general health and wellness tips.

3. Nerd Fitness

Nerd Fitness serves up healthy lifestyle advice from a self-described “full-time team of over 20 supportive nerds (and a massive worldwide community).” Besides a fun and engaging blog, Nerd Fitness offers an online coaching program, at-home workouts, and free resources.

4. MyFitnessPal Blog

MyFitnessPal, a nutrition-tracking app, shares the latest news and trends on food and nutrition. Get healthy recipes, advice, weight loss (as well as weight gain and weight maintenance) tips, fitness inspiration, and more — all in one place.

5. Shape

Fitness magazine Shape has free articles on its website, including step-by-step workouts, training plans, and mental health insights. There are also weight-loss tips, videos, and more.

6. Well+Good

Well+Good is a wellness blog with articles on fitness, nutrition, beauty, and more. The journalism-based site features interviews with fitness experts, practical wellness tips, and videos to walk readers through workouts.