Take charge of your physical and mental health with regular check ups

WE ALL KNOW the saying “health is wealth,” so prioritising your mind, body, and soul isn’t just a luxury - it’s the ultimate gift you can give yourself.

Overindulgence is part of the fun, but adding a few healthy choices to your diet, like fresh salads, alongside your favourite meals can create balance and keep you feeling light and energised.

Holistic health: the biopsychosocial approach

Taking a holistic approach means caring for yourself on three levels: biological, psychological, and social. Here’s how to keep all three in check:

Your Body: Biological Health

Your body is the foundation of everything. Regular check-ups with your GP for annual physicals, blood pressure, cholesterol, and vaccinations are simple but powerful steps. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, routine monitoring is crucial. For those with diabetes, checking HbA1c levels regularly ensures your blood sugar is well controlled over time. 

Specialists like eye doctors, podiatrists, and dieticians can fine-tune your wellness, while alternative practitioners - Ayurvedic or homeopathic - can complement traditional care.

And don’t forget additional check-ups: dental exams, hearing tests, bone density evaluations, and skin screenings. Many of these services are available for free or at low cost through public clinics, CANSA mobile screening vans, and pharmacy-based wellness units in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other major towns. Helpful websites include cansa.org.za, go-abby.co.za, and discovery.co.za/vitality.

Your mind: psychological health

Mental well-being is just as vital as physical health. The festive season can be joyful but also stressful. Short daily mindfulness practices - journaling, meditation, or a few quiet minutes with a cup of coffee - can help keep your mind calm. Therapists, counsellors, or psychologists are not only for crises; they are a proactive way to support emotional clarity and resilience.

Your Connections: Social Health

Health thrives in connection. Laughing with friends, walking on the beach with family, or fun activities strengthens social bonds and lifts your mood. Community activities, hobby clubs, or volunteering can give a sense of purpose, while setting boundaries for work and rest protects your energy for the things that matter most.

Small changes, big rewards

You do not need drastic resolutions to feel better. Move more, take a beach walk, stretch at home, or squeeze in a short workout. Eat mindfully, enjoy the feasts, but balance indulgence with fresh salads, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water. Pace yourself with drinks and treats during games or festive gatherings. And do not underestimate sleep, at least 6 to 8 hours keeps your immune system strong and your mind sharp.

Looking ahead

This year, make a promise to yourself. Prioritise your health, schedule your check-ups early, and set realistic goals. Maybe it’s walking 10 000 steps a day, incorporating mindfulness into your routine, or adding more salads and vegetables to balance indulgent meals. If you have diabetes, commit to keeping your HbA1c levels under control through regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.

Celebrate small victories - they add up faster than you think. This festive season, give yourself the gift of balance. By looking after your physical, mental, and social health as you are setting the stage for a happy, healthy 2026 because your body and mind are your most valuable assets. Treat them with the care they deserve. 

Dr Seshni Moodliar Rensburg is a doctor, author and coach/mentor. She is passionate about mental well-being and holistic approaches to well-being. Find her on Dr Seshni Moodliar on Facebook and DrSeshniMoodliar on Instagram.

THE POST