385 - How to Promote Better Mental Health

In this episode, we share some strategies to maintain your mental health. Get excited, because this is Tiny Leaps, Big Changes. 

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The Problem:

We know that mental health is important. We understand that we should be doing regular up keep of our mental health just like we do for our physical health. 

But how do you actually do it? 

Often times because mental health issues are invisible, it's easy to say that they aren't really there. 

We tend to chock up mental health issues to any number of other things, right down to just straight up ignoring it. 

So how do we maintain something we can't see and, don't even really understand? And what can we do on a daily basis to promote better mental health? 

The Research: 

From Patricia Harteneck, Ph.D., MBA

"Your body releases stress-relieving and mood-boosting endorphins before and after you work out, which is why exercise is a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression."

"What you eat nourishes your whole body, including your brain. Carbohydrates (in moderate amounts) increase serotonin, a chemical that has been shown to have a calming effect on your mood. Protein-rich foods increase norepinephrine, dopamine, and tyrosine, which help keep you alert. And vegetables and fruits are loaded with nutrients that feed every cell of your body, including those that affect mood-regulating brain chemicals."

From Mariana Plata

"The importance of mental health has been associated with a variety of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, addiction, depression, among others. The reason behind this is that when we organize ourselves and know what to expect, it’s easier to actively work towards counteracting the thoughts and symptoms of any of the aforementioned mental health conditions."

Routines give you a sense of control, but mixing things up reminds you how in control you actually are. 

From Health.gov.au

"Being part of a community can have a positive effect on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and social connectedness. It can also offer extra meaning and purpose to everyday life."

Recap

1. Take care of yourself

2. Do something different

3. Share with others to connect more