Want healthier lifestyle? Let your mind go blank
A participants blanks out at the International Space-out Competition in Beijing on July 7, 2015. [Photo/Chinanews.com] |
Letting the mind go blank for five minutes each day is good for health, according to China's health authorities.
Other suggestions include working out for an hour every day, playing at least one sport and joining one sports community.
The suggestions were released through a guideline jointly created by authorities, including Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Health and Family Planning Commission and Chinese Health Education Center.
The regulators also stressed the importance of a more balanced diet. As suggested by the new Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents, an individual should consume more than 12 kinds of food on a daily basis and 25 on a weekly basis.
The guideline added that it is common for the working class to experience stress, insomnia, anxiety, excessive eating and drinking and deteriorating memories.
Wu Tao, an expert in emotional management and a member of the International Coach Federation, said long-term emotional stress can have severe health consequences and may lead to cardiovascular diseases, digestive problems and even cancer.
"It will cause adverse effects on one's family, career and social interaction, if not managed appropriately and immediately," said Wu.
To mitigate the risks, the public needs to first understand and recognize their emotions.
"When you are able to face and effectively control your emotions, negative feelings such as stress can be converted into positive energies," added Wu.
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