Today, a topic has crept into our daily lives without our knowledge: the distinction between what is good for us and what appears delicious but is harmful to our health is being overlooked. As a result, our physical and mental health is suffering.
It’s no wonder that fast-food businesses, big and small, are exploiting this situation and making a profit by creating tasty dishes that appeal to our taste buds. Most of us, particularly the younger generation, are easily drawn to these unhealthy items.
Adverts for items such as cigarettes, energy drinks, soft drinks, and junk food are everywhere, making them part of our everyday lives. The competition between them is increasing, resulting in more and more adverts.
Gone are the days when TV shows and other forms of entertainment were meaningful and inspiring, aiding our character development. With the growth of the internet, mobile technology, and media, people’s mindsets have grown more rigid.
Our current television shows and other forms of media damage our mental health and contribute to the spread of negative attitudes and opinions, especially towards the younger generation. These shows, videos, and pieces of content do not reflect or uphold the standards and values of our everyday lives.
Our physical and mental health will continue to deteriorate if we do not have effective governance in place.
A great scholar of his time, Dr. Allama Iqbal, once said:
“Artificial things, excessive pity demands, and meaningless things have ruined some civilized societies. To maintain modern civilization, the general populace must comprehend the distinction between beneficial things and those that seem tempting but are harmful”.
Even the Holy Script “The Quran” says in Chapter 7, Verse 31:
“O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes), while praying and going round (the Tawaf of ) the Ka’bah, and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance)”.
How to improve physical health?
For physical health, some essential factors include:
- Eating a diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Regular activity, such as cycling, weightlifting, swimming and walking.
- Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- You can manage your stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Avoid smoking and stop drinking alcohol entirely.
- Routine medical examinations and screenings.
How to improve mental health?
For mental health, some essential factors include:
- Preserving friendships and creating a network of family and friends that is supportive.
- Spending a few minutes praying, reciting or listening to Holy Scripture like the Holy Quran.
- Learning healthy ways to control stress and emotions.
- Self-care techniques include obtaining adequate sleep, eating healthfully, and doing fun activities.
- If you experience mental health problems like sadness or anxiety, you should get help from a therapist or counsellor.
- If necessary, take medication as directed by a physician or mental health expert.
Caring for our physical and mental health is linked, and caring for one helps the other. Raising awareness about good physical and mental health is important, as it will positively affect future generations.