Today is World Mental Health Day.
2020 has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Around the entire globe, our mental health has been tested daily. That is one fact that I am confident everyone could agree on. There are ways to improve mental health.
Genetics play a role in our mental health as well as family history. Life trauma plays a key role as well.
When our mind and body is stressed to the max, often we don’t even realize it. The moments when we lash out at a longtime friend, head for comfort through foods in the refrigerator, or perhaps getting out of bed is a struggle. All of these moments coincide with our mental health. One does not have to be a psychologist to understand those situations.
Depression, anxiety, anger, thoughts of suicide are all results from a taxed mental state. We can become overwhelmed from many pressures. A few examples:
Possible Negative Mindset Triggers
- The media
- COVID lockdown and post-lockdown residual effects
- Watching excess TV
- Too much focus on social media
- Loss of a job
- Loss of a loved one
- Relationship stress, tension, breakups
- On the job stress
- Family pressures
- The list is quite endless… yet, there is hope
When life seems overwhelming and out of control, reach out for help. Positive mental health enables people to be more productive, achieve personal goals, and overcome the stresses of life. Taking small steps can transform into big, positive, life changing results.
Action Steps To Improve Mental Health
- Have faith
- Practice faith in action, have courage, move past fear
- Connect with others who have a positive attitude
- Seek joy in the little things
- Walk, run, play hockey, swim, take up yoga – exercise, stay active
- Volunteer at local charitable events
- Read uplifting material
- Get enough rest
- Choose fresh, healthy foods
- Avoid fried foods and dishes that are heavy in fat and sugar
- Connect with an uplifting, positive group
- Forgive – yourself and others
- Be kind and gentle to yourself
Some of the best foods for mental health are the same foods that help prevent breast cancer… add salmon to the list for its high omega 3 content. >> Foods That Fight Breast Cancer
