In the spirit of World Mental Health Day I thought I’d share some lifestyle principles that support and enhance our mental health. To be clear, I’m not speaking to existing diagnoses though there is much research supporting lifestyle choices halting and even treating neurological disorders.
Physical activity from walking to strength training and everything in between improves your mood by delivering endorphines and neurotransmitters throughout your body. The resulting sense of accomplishment offers positive thoughts and feelings as well.
Overcoming negative stress through problem solving stimulates your brain or ‘mental muscle’ as I like to call it. This builds mental resilience and cognitive reserve enabling you to continue this process with greater ease and fortitude.
Whole plant foods deliver energy, nutrient density and fiber to support your gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin and dopamine, known as the feel good neurotransmitters, are largely produced in your GI tract and the process is naturally boosted by eating this way. Furthermore, fiber binds to and elinimates excess (unnecessary) hormones and cholesterol from your body.
Enjoying your purpose or that which brings you fulfillment offers you stimulation and further enhancement of your ‘mental muscle’. The number of neuronal connections you have is determined by how you push or challenge yourself in relation to your purpose. These positive challenges can lead to greater cognitive reserve, capacity and even size.
Restoration of your body and brain occurs during quality sleep. This deep sleep allows the brain to cleanse and organize thoughts allowing you to wake bright eyed and bushy tailed. You can support this with good sleep hyegiene and the application of the above principles in order to achieve your best rest scenario.
Enhancing your body, mind and spirit is easily achieved following the above POWER Principles but extra direction and support is always helpful!