The Natural Path To Mental Wellness

The Mind-Body Connection

Your mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. When you take care of your body, you’re also nurturing your mind. Here are some practices that can help you achieve this harmony:

Regular Exercise

Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, or hitting the gym, find an exercise routine that suits you. PLus – getting outside gives you Vitamin D, which is important for mood stabilisation and improving depression.

Mindful Movement

Practices like tai chi and qigong promote relaxation and reduce stress. They also enhance body awareness, which can be grounding for your mind. These practices improve the flow of qi, or energy or life force, in your body

Balanced Nutrition

A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the nutrients your brain needs to function optimally. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, have been linked to improved mood and cognition. Check out my blog on nutritional psychiatry for 5 key nutrients for mental health and mental wellness.

Adequate Sleep

 Sleep is when your brain rejuvenates and processes emotions. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Need some tips on sleep hygiene for good quality sleep? Check them out here

The Power of Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices can help you stay present and reduce the impact of stressors on your mental health. Try these techniques:

Meditation

Regular meditation can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being. Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the duration. Tried it and don’t like it or it doesn’t work? That was me too, until I found one that is scientifically shown to work for 80% of people the first time they try it. Try it for free here on my YouTube Channel

Deep Breathing

When you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep, mindful breaths. This simple practice can calm your nervous system. It works! It gets oxygen back into your blood, which helps your brain, and here’s a top tip – breathe out for longer than you breathe in. This tells your brain that everything is OK.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This technique involves tensing and then relaxing muscle groups, promoting relaxation and reducing physical tension. I’ve recorded a video on this as well on my YouTube Channel 

The Healing Power of Nature

Spending time in nature can have a profound impact on your mental health. It’s often referred to as ecotherapy, grounding, earthing or forest bathing. Here’s why it works:

Reduced Stress

Nature helps lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Take a hike in the woods, stroll along the beach, or simply sit in a park to reap the benefits. Plus….good old vitamin D, fresh air and no devices make your body and mind happy!

Improved Mood

 Exposure to natural light and fresh air can boost your mood and increase feelings of well-being. So, make outdoor activities a regular part of your routine. See how they all connect for your mental wellness? Move more – reduce stress – improve mood!

The Role of Social Connections

Authentic human connections are vital for mental health and mental wellness. We saw this during covid lockdowns – mental health and mental wellness levels plummeted with the lack of genuine connection with people. Nurture your relationships with these strategies:

Connect with Loved Ones

 Make time for friends and family, even in your busy schedule. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can provide emotional support. Genuine mental wellness means genuine connections with people – deep connections with a select few is so much more beneficial than superficial connections with many.

Volunteer

Helping others can be incredibly fulfilling. Engaging in volunteer work not only benefits your community but also boosts your own sense of purpose and well-being. There are many studies on the benefits of volunteering on your mental wellness.

Creativity and Self-Expression

Engaging in creative activities can be therapeutic and promote mental wellness:

Art and Craft: Whether it’s painting, drawing, knitting, or any other craft, creative pursuits can be a form of self-expression and a way to relax. It engages the creative, gestalt side of your brain and is a key feature in many mental health programs. I never saw the benefit until I experienced my own mental illness journey 19 years ago, and I still do art and craft to this day. Read more about my path to mental wellness here

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and emotions can help you process them. It’s a safe space to explore your feelings and gain insight into your mental state. Why does this work? Because when you write, you process the thoughts and feelings, rather than bottling them up and swallowing them down. Give it a go! You can just grab any plain old notebook, or check out your local Kmart or Big W – they often have great guided journals.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Remember that while these natural solutions can be valuable, they are not a substitute for professional help. If you’re struggling with your mental health, consider seeking guidance from a qualified therapist or counsellor. You can also consider a kinesiologist like myself. I can work alongside your mental health team to support your journey to mental wellness.

Supporting your mental health naturally involves a holistic approach that encompasses your body, mind, soul and environment. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining your mental wellness. Remember that authenticity in your self-care journey is key, and you have the power to create a fulfilling and balanced life that supports your mental health simply by incorporating these tips into your life and figuring out what works for you.

Where to next?

If you’d like to explore how kinesiology can support you as a natural option on your path to mental wellness, you can book in with me here, for an in-person appointment, or online too, if I’m a little far from you. As someone who has been there, I get it. I get how hard it is, and I get how alone you feel. And I’m here to support you just like I was supported to find my way forward.