Quick Tips to Great Mental Health

Quick Tips to Great Mental Health

By Regina Bright, MS, LMHC

 



 

Individuals who maintain a healthy diet are more likely to have overall great physical health. Likewise, there is relationship between diet and mood, proposing that foods containing a higher nutritional value can safeguard individuals from stress, depression, ADHD, and anxiety. Try choosing unprocessed foods, organic foods, fresh fruit, and leafy vegetables. A healthy diet also includes adequate amounts of complex carbohydrates, essential fats, vitamins and water.

Routine weekly exercise increases activity in both the brain's frontal lobe and in the hippocampus. Exercise naturally boosts levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are linked to elevating mood.

Mindful meditation helps with so many physical and psychological problems associated with high blood pressure, chronic pain, psoriasis, sleep, anxiety, and depression.

Hobbies are an effective way in reducing stress. Hobbies provide an escape from stressors of our daily life.  Furthermore, by reducing stress you are helping your heart in lowering blood pressure. Participating in activities can also help in reducing fatigue, loneliness and depressed mood. Mentally stimulating hobbies such as reading, playing board games, and doing crossword puzzles can minimize memory loss in senior citizens.

Vitamin D  plays a big role in cognition and mental health. When the sun shines, both our energy and mood improves due to the sun's ability in increasing both endorphins and serotonin. Sunshine helps your body make melatonin, the sleep inducing hormone that aids in a sound sleep. 

 

 

 

Regina Bright, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Board Certified Sex Therapist
Clinical Supervisor
Parent Coordinator
Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator

Stepping Stones Professional Counseling
151 Mary Esther Blvd. Suite 310 A.
Mary Esther, Fl 32569
850-226-6430
Fax: 850-254-1986www.steppingstonescounseling.org
www.facebook.com/steppingstonescounseling