Lifestyle Change

This may come as a surprise, but believe it or not, spending time in nature has been associated with improved mental health and is the reason I hold sessions with my clients outdoors in nature. The idea that nature can provide us with respite from our hectic lives and allow us to reconnect with ourselves and with our values. It’s a way of being reminded of what truly matters. In today's world, we can be easily disconnected from the amazing beauty the natural world has to offer. We have started spending more and more time browsing the web, social media, watching tv and living our lives in a digital space. And as social media, internet and technology has increasingly been integrated into our lives, there has been a rise in cases of stress and mental health conditions as well.

Most of us know that exercise is great for our physical health, but I imagine not everyone is aware of the BIG positive effect that exercise has on our mental health. Many of us have probably experienced improvements in mood when regularly exercising, so when I started researching this, I found a ton of research to support exercise as an effective tool to prevent, fight, or cope with mental illness, it really made sense.

The amount of available information on nutrition and diet can be confusing and overwhelming! I believe a lot of the time we forget or are just not aware that the foods that we feed our body are also affecting our mental state as well. Just by switching or adjusting your diet, you can improve your mood and overall mental state. “Healthy body healthy mind.”

Healthy relationships with our loved ones (friends, family, significant others, etc) have many positive benefits in regard to mental health and are associated with higher levels of happiness, quality of life, and resilience. Research suggests connections between healthy relationships and our physical wellbeing, indicate reduced risks for illness ranging from strokes to the common cold.

Having fun is good for us! Something as simple as laughing can be impactful in improving our mood, mitigate stress, and support immune function. Research suggests that having fun is helpful in coping with distress and essentially you are creating a positive reinforcement system for yourself.

Managing chronic stress effectively and consistently is key for our emotional wellbeing. And unfortunately, although stress is universal, knowledge about healthy coping skills for managing said stress is not. When working with my clients I suggest a variety of self-management skills and together we work on techniques such as meditation, breathwork, mindfulness, cold therapy, all of which calm the mind and reduce stress.

Spirituality is very personally defined, and it may or may not involve religion. For some, the simple act of going into nature or practicing gratitude is enough to feel spiritual fulfillment. Others may prefer the structure and community that a religious organization can offer. Regardless of what spirituality means to you, research suggests that spiritual practices serve as a major means in coping with stress.

Although it may sound a bit paradoxical, giving can be more beneficial to the giver than the receiver. This is because through our contribution and service, the giver can foster a sense of joy, generosity, and love. Multiple studies suggest that those who are engaged in altruistic behaviors are psychologically happier and healthier.