Holistic Approaches To Boost Mental Health and Wellbeing

By Marie Caterini Choppin, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW

Lotus Point Wellness

. https://lotuspointwellness.com/

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Holistic Approaches To Boost Mental Health and Wellbeing

In our very busy world, we all need to figure out how to take care of ourselves and learn better ways to support healthy habits for a lifetime.

Keep Physically Active

Keeping physically active is vital to mental and physical health and there is new research to show it helps with ADHD and those who are physically active feel better in mood and outlook. By moving our bodies, whether through daily walking, running or some other exercise, we are helping to lift our mood and thus our overall feeling of wellbeing, a real antidote to depression and anxiety.

Develop a Practice of Meditation and/or Yoga

Meditation and yoga facilitate the concepts of mindfulness and meditation to keep a mind-body connection, which allows us to keep in touch with what is happening between emotions, mood, thoughts and physiological sensations. Being in touch with this connection helps us to be in-tune with ourselves and with how we are feeling, what we need and how to stay balanced. Most yoga practices have a component of reflection and meditation to just “be” and not have to always “do” which is so vital for managing stress.

Eat a Proper Diet

It is clear that what we eat, how much and whether the food is processed or not can affect our mood, energy level and physical symptoms in our body. Finding the right food for your body and treating any ailments you might have (i.e. diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammation, etc.) can really help with overall wellbeing. Consulting with a nutritionist to assess your needs could provide an approach to understanding your own health and wellbeing needs from a more holistic approach.

Keep Connected To Family and Friends

Humans are wired to connect with others and if we isolate and don’t share with others what we are feeling, what we need and when we are suffering, it only compounds the problem of isolation, depressed mood and low self-esteem. Asking for support when you are suffering, when you are overwhelmed with a project or school work or need to accomplish something is an important lifestyle skill and will prevent feeling overly stressed and alone, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Of course, seeking a mental health professional before you are burnt out or depressed, is a smart approach and can stop a downward spiral.

Practice Gratitude

Making a habit of acknowledging what we are grateful for in our life can help to raise hope, remind ourselves of what is important in our life and put things in perspective. By doing so, this can raise our optimism about our situation and our future. All this can raise our mood, lower our blood pressure, and provide a calmness and peacefulness in our mind and bodies, which provides that holistic aspect to wellbeing, as well.

Balance Your Lifestyle

With life having so many demands and expectations, it can be very difficult to carve out time for yourself, your friends and family, your passions and hobbies and/or for developing new interests. Juggling all this and family life can result in the overload that many people feel. Developing a practice of self-care and self-compassion is a very important aspect to living a more holistic life, even if it means giving up something else. Find a time to take a solitary walk in nature, listen to some music, take an art class, play golf or just read a book. It’ll do wonders for your mood and ability to manage.