Mental health and stress is real. It’s a fact of life.
Statistics show that 45% of the population now experience some level of mental illness, be it anxiety, depression, substance abuse or other affective disorders. The number is greater amongst young people in the vicinity of 16-25 years. However, it is anticipated that most people have or will experience some level of mental health disorder.
Managing our mental health is imperative. We each have different triggers that create stress. We each have different levels or boundaries that we can easily cope with before we tip over to the edge into that stress.
And we need to develop ways to first identify those situations that may cause high levels of discomfort. This is not the same as getting outside of your comfort zone, which can be healthy. We’re talking about high levels of discomfort that bring on anxiety, depression or severe mood swings.
Similarly, we each have different ways in which we manage our mental health or stress.
Exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate tension due to the natural release of endorphins and other hormones. Spending time in nature can be an excellent way to soothe the mind. Listening and dancing to music. Cooking. Meditation. Yoga. Golf. The list goes on and can be unique to your preferences, there is no wrong or right way to take time out.
I’ve started Self-Care Sunday. This means every Sunday I find something to do that makes me feel good. It might be a walk along the nature trails. It might be lunching with friends. And it doesn’t have to be on a Sunday or only Sunday. You can make this fit into your schedule. Maybe you find 30 minutes every day to walk in the park or talk to a friend.
There are also some well documented foods that can help boost your mood. These include leafy greens, blueberries, broccoli, mushrooms, avocado, brussel sprouts, nuts and seeds, olive oil, banana, raw cacao, legumes and lentils. These foods are high in antioxidants, vitamin C as well as vitamin E and K. If choosing fish select salmon, sardines or trout due to high levels of exposure to mercury and other heavy metal toxins.
Lastly, I wanted to share with you this meme I recently saw on social:
HANGXIETY:
the stress that comes from hanging onto shi*t that is out of alignment with your spirit.
Choose wisely. Live vibrantly. ????
Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash
