Here are four fun and healthy ways to boost your mental health this month:
- Organize and improve your home and workspace. A cluttered environment can lead to undue stress and inefficiency. Dedicate a weekend this afternoon to getting things, so you can focus on relaxing.
- Take advantage of nature. Connecting with nature is a natural mood booster, and when we breathe in fresh air, we raise oxygen levels in the brain, releasing serotonin and promoting proper brain function.
- Try something new. Experiment with fun seasonal recipes that utilize healthy fruits and veggies. Squash contains magnesium, an important nutrient that helps with anxiety and stress; apples are high fiber and in phytonutrients, which prevent DNA damage; pumpkin contains minerals that boost brain function; cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, which can stabilize mood swings.
- Bring the outdoors in! Scents like lavender, jasmine, or chamomile can soothe your senses and calm your mind, while cinnamon, rose, and orange zest may bring on relaxation and joy. Aromatherapy is often used to reduce stress and anxiety as scents stimulate the receptors in your nose, sending messages to your hypothalamus, the part of your brain that influences your hormonal system. This then impacts your mood, metabolism, and stress levels – all key components of mental health.
If you’re plagued by chronic stress, anxiety, or mental health issues, reach out to our office so we can get you on the path to peace and joy!
