Whether you are a student, teacher, lawyer, or a retired citizen, mental health issues have no target audience: they can affect almost anyone. Taking care of your mental health is extremely important to your overall well-being, and can even have physical ramifications if not properly addressed. Did you know that there are natural ways to help treat your mental health? Here are 4 factors that you can control that have a prominent impact on your mental health.
Diet – One of the most under-recognized factors in the development of trends in mental health, is the role of nutrition. Within the nervous system is a network of neurons that line the entire digestive track. This makes your gut as influential to your mental health as your brain. Studies have shown evidence of nutrition having a direct effect on mental health. This evidence indicates the gut playing an important role in the development, management and even prevention of specific mental health problems such as depression. We suggest trying a Standard Process 21-day cleanse. This can have immediate results!
Depression is typically considered a biochemical or emotionally rooted illness. A notable feature in the diets of patients suffering from depression or anxiety is the lack of nutrients such the essential vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.
Exercise – An essential component of lifestyle modification for your mental health is exercise. Aerobic exercises including jogging, swimming, dancing, walking and even gardening, have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. This is caused by exercise-induced increase in blood circulation to the brain and limbic system, which controls motivation and mood. Exercise has been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem, cognitive function and social withdrawals.
Stress – Ahh what doesn’t leave us stressed in life? Whether it is work, school, family, major life changes or a traumatic event, it can all lead to some type of stress. Stress is how the brain and body responds to any demand. While not all stress is bad, it is important to acknowledge the severity of its affect on your mental health depending on its intensity and duration. This kind of long-term stress is considered ‘chronic’ or ‘toxic.’ In order to manage stress, be sure to recognize the signs and find ways to relax your mind or talk to your health care provider.
Sleep – Sleep problems are particularly common in patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most patients with depression have insomnia and about one in five suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. The relationship between sleep and mental health is not yet completely understood but neuroimaging studies suggest that a good night’s sleep helps with both mental and emotional resilience.
If stress and lack of exercise is proving detrimental to your mental health, Alliance Orthopedics can motivate you back into your healthy state of mind! Different specialties with different exercises with our athletic trainers to acupuncturists who can help reduce your stress levels!