Let’s talk about mental health. When you’re raising young, bright, curious children you have to constantly show up for them physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. At times this can feel like a tall ask, especially when the world feels like its been imploding in on itself. If we’re being honest, its been feeling like this since covid. The extreme weather on top of out of this world high inflation, mixed with massive layoffs in the US and the children in Tennessee protesting to their government to demand gun reform makes it hard to catch your breath. How do you maintain your peace of mind through it all? How do you stay present and pleasant for your own children during such uncertainty? I don’t know about you but it seems impossible to tune it all out. There are a few things I’ve discovered that have had a tremendous help on maintaining good mental health and life balance.
Being stable, level headed and mentally strong requires a little bit of effort and a lot of dedication. Reading something motivational at night instead of scrolling on social media is a great place to start. Motivational books are a fine treasure when you’re feeling a little below the weeds. Reading, in general, has a calming effect on the mind and relaxes your prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls our emotions. I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can play a tremendous roll in mental strength. You want to avoid overeating foods that can have an effect on your hormones like poorly sourced meats. Pork and beef in particular can cause mental negativity. Too much alcohol or sugar can have similar effects plus cause mental fatigue in the long run. You most certainly don’t have to become a vegetarian, however eating a diet that is 70% plant based is really the sweet spot for good mental well being. You are what you eat, after all.
Another really great way to maintain good mental strength and positivity is to exercise a few days a week, even if you’re just walking a few miles. Staying hydrated and avoiding overly sugary drinks can also help maintain a good mood. Turn off the show you’re watching if it’s too dark for you. Entertain yourself with humor or stand up comedy to help release dopamine in the brain. This will allow you to feel joy and pleasure. Keep a journal, keep two. Right positive affirmations in one, and all your negative crap in the other. Burn the negative one in a safe place once its filled. Find a therapist that takes your insurance. Talk to friends or family regularly. Keep the lines of communication open allowing yourself to maintain momentum in positive directions. Avoid gossiping as this does nothing for your positive mental strength. Hug and kiss your loved ones more often. We’re all doing the best we can. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey, where ever that may be.
