Feeling blue? Quarantine life making you feel trapped? Cold weather got you down? It’s natural for all of us to feel sad or down from time to time. Depression rates continue to increase over time BUT you can proactively do something about it!
Here Are Some Ways You Can Help Yourself
Disclaimer – this post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. Thank you for the support!
Plant Based Eating
Studies have shown that people who eat a plant based diet are happier. Here's why- the antioxidants found in fruits and veggies reduce inflammation, fix neurotransmitters in the brain, and repair damaged cells. The food also contains natural vitamins and nutrients that boost the serotonin levels in your brain, thereby giving your mood a positive boost of happiness.
Foods that are not processed, like those in the plant based lifestyle are better for your body by naturally detoxifying your body and flushing out unwanted chemicals that may cause you to feel sluggish, and unhappy. During this detoxing process, your body will begin to not only feel better, but look better too! Your skin will begin to clear up and brighten, you will shed water weight, as well as unwanted pounds of fat, and you will have sustained energy throughout the day.
There are many foods you can eat that are rich Omega 3's which improve your mood, lower your stress levels, and reduce diseases such as dementia.
Omega 3 foods: chia, flax seeds, walnuts, avocado
Other mood fighting foods are: blueberries, leafy , and pumpkin seeds
Working Out
When you work up a sweat your body naturally creates endorphin’s which are hormones produced in your brain that give you a happy, euphoric feeling. So get your body moving!
Exercising regularly also improves your muscle strength, endurance, and balance. Elevating your heart rate improves your cardiovascular system, as well as your lung capacity, and bone density. When all of these very important systems in your body are strong, your overall wellness and mood will improve.
This may seem like a no brainer but exercise can aid in weight loss. When you exercise regularly, and build up your muscle mass, you can even burn calories at rest.
Exercise can elevate your energy levels naturally! It helps wake up your mind, body and spirit especially if you deal with chronic fatigue. It also aids with memory and overall brain health.
It can also help your body naturally stave off colds and other illnesses like type II diabetes.
When paired with a plant based lifestyle, physical fitness can aid in a total body detoxification process by flushing out unnecessary chemicals living in the body and gut. It will also flush out the pores in your skin, giving your face a glowing appearance.
Meditation
is a mindful technique in which you relax your body and focus on an object or thought, like your breath. It trains your mind to be more present and aware, thereby creating a calm stillness within your body which....reduces stress!
You don’t need to be stressed out to practice meditating. Set yourself a timer. Start with 2 minutes of deep breathing practice. Then 5, 10, 15 minutes and so on. I have found in my own meditation practice that the more often I do it, the easier it becomes to silence my thoughts and become centered within myself. Also, you can do it literally anywhere! In the car, sitting outside, on the bus etc.
Remember you are resilient. You are strong. Go easy on yourself. By working on your meditation skills you will be improving your overall health and stress management.
Here’s to feeling happier!
xx,
Mari