20 Sep 2022 5 Holistic Ways to Help with Mental Health
Mental health concerns are growing more prevalent in New York, and residents are fighting back hard by looking for solutions. A poll by Siena College revealed that more than one-third of New Yorkers across a range of age groups have already sought mental health treatments or know someone who sought help for their mental illness. Unfortunately, the poll also revealed that the number of people seeking treatment can rise as high as 47% among people aged between 18 and 34. Though mental health conditions are difficult to overcome, it’s not impossible for people to get better and to recover completely. To boost your mental health, here are five holistic approaches that you can try:
Avoid food that can increase your risk for mental illness
Food nourishes your entire body, so it’s no surprise that it also plays a big role in your physical and mental health. In fact, our article on the ‘8 Ways to Eliminate Your Brain Fog Once and For All’ highlights how high inflammatory ingredients like vegetable oil cause chronic inflammation, and can lead to a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Aside from avoiding inflammatory food, you also need to reduce your caffeine intake because excess caffeine can induce stress, anxiety, and even full-blown panic attacks.
Try herbal remedies for better mental health
Medications are important in your recovery, but you can supplement these with herbal supplements that can boost your mood. Lavender tea is one of the most popular herbal remedies because it has calming effects for people with anxiety, plus it can also improve your sleep quality. On the other hand, chamomile tea is helpful in managing depressive symptoms, while ginseng can serve as a potential solution for individuals that are struggling with low energy and motivation due to depression.
Stay connected with your loved ones
Social interaction can reduce your anxiety and depression, while boosting your self-esteem and happiness. However, social interaction isn’t easy, especially when you get to an older age. Elder abuse is growing more prevalent in the US, and Maryville University warns that this includes negligence of a senior citizen’s medical, nutritional, and psychological needs. Older adults require comfort and safety to experience better mental health, which is why it’s critical that they remain connected with their family, friends, and community. Likewise, kids and adults can talk, play, or simply spend time with loved ones to improve their mental health.
Exercise regularly to improve your mood
Exercise is usually recommended for enhancing one’s physical health, but this activity can also do wonders for your mental well-being. A study conducted by an Ulm University researcher revealed that six weeks of low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can decrease depressive symptoms by as much as 73.68%. Fortunately, there are plenty of aerobic exercises out there for all age groups to enjoy. To illustrate, young adults can opt to jog or do sports like volleyball, while older adults can try ballroom dancing or regular gardening.
Calm your mind and body with meditation
Whether you want a quick fix or a long-term management strategy, meditation can help in improving your mental health. By relaxing your mind your body through meditation and mindfulness, Verywell Mind explains that you’ll be able to recover from stressful situations and even learn how to manage challenges in your everyday life. Practicing meditation regularly also makes it easier to give up life-damaging habits that can affect your mental health, such as drinking, smoking, and drugs. You can heal your mind and nourish your body through these five holistic practices. Try to incorporate these strategies into your regular routine, so that you can recover from mental health conditions and prevent their recurrence.
Written by Blaire Oliver