Simple tips to improve your mental wellbeing

In the past, health was mostly looked upon as to how well we were in a physical form and often not looked upon deeper to the impact that mental health has on our wellbeing. Studying nutrition at Endeavour with a holistic approach, we look into all aspects from body, mind and being, and address the depth of issues to assist people on the path of optimal health.

Keeping good mental health has a number of factors that contribute to keeping that mood balanced, stress in a manageable state and keeping our mind in a more harmonious state. Through diet and lifestyle, improvement and management of our mental wellbeing are possible. Here are ways to help boost mood:

Breathing

Breathe in… Hold for a count of five… Now let it out.

You feel a little bit better, right? Breathing actually helps to relax and lower stress in the body and mind by sending a message to the brain to calm down which then circulates throughout the body system. By taking moments throughout the day to stop and breathe, particularly when we are starting to feel tense, anxious or overwhelmed, it is going to enhance our ability to adapt to situations by lowering our stress response and in general keep us feeling mentally (and physically) good.

Mood food

There is a large connection with what we are eating and the impact it will have on our mood. As food fuels both the body and the mind, we need to keep that nutritional state at a high level for overall optimal wellbeing. Keeping our brain sharp and gut health in a good state by including essential fatty acids for cognition and mood support, and fermented food including yoghurt, kimchi and kombucha that support the growth of bacteria (the healthy kind) and may increase serotonin levels.

Gratitude

We cannot always control the environment or what life hands us, but what we are able to do is be in charge of our experience. This may not come naturally and generally developing an attitude of gratitude can take some practice. There are definitely moments in life (some periods longer than others) when it is more than needed to cry, have a vent and bring up emotions that are created by a life happening, however getting stuck in a situation can really impact our mood and mental wellbeing. Gratitude is the ability to be able to find a positive outcome in a larger sense with can help boost mood and mentally keep us lifted.

Exercise

This has a powerful effect not only on the body physically, but mentally as well. Exercise or movement of the body releases chemical in our body such as endorphins and serotonin that have the ability to improve our mood (think of them as the feel-good chemicals). It also helps to reduce our stress levels and improve our focus which really allows for some “clear thinking”. It might be hard to get motivated when our mood is flat or general wellbeing is low, but even a small amount of movement is going to bring about more balance – bonus points if it’s outside as nature also impacts our mood in a positive way.

It is important to make your own wellbeing a priority particularly during study as not looking after ourselves can lead to a decline in mood and overall morale which in turn doesn’t keep us at our best. Remember to take that time out of life’s busy schedule, get adequate sleep (which also a large contributor to keeping our mood balanced) and reach out for support if you need it. These are ways that may help improve our mood and wellbeing however please seek support if it is needed and stay connected.

Lexi is in her final year of study of Nutrition at Endeavour and her zest for study arises from her own background navigating her health journey and wanting to help others feel as good as she does. Outside of study, Lexi works in the field of Eating Disorders, practices and teaches yoga, is a bum and follows her health path.

Read more by Lexi Crouch