In the spirit of Psychology Month, we want to dig deep into our mental health, and all that affects the inner workings of our brains. There is still so much we’re learning about the human brain and how it functions, and the more we learn, the more we can be in control of our emotions, our resilience, and even our brain chemistry. And we don’t just mean through the use of prescription medication (although in some cases, medication is a necessary and incredibly effective solution in managing conditions like depression and anxiety).

Believe it or not, there are many non-medication-related things you can do each and every day to support your mental health – and we’ll let you in on a little secret: just knowing this can in and of itself be an enormous comfort and allow you to take back your control in times of struggle.

First and foremost, it’s important to address the stigma that many still face when it comes to mental health struggles. Despite our society evolving and promoting a more accepting, open approach to addressing mental illness, many still encounter resistance to their transparency, making it difficult for those who are suffering in silence to be honest and seek help. As a healthcare staffing agency, we want to champion those who are struggling to talk about it – because this is where progress is made. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and the more you talk openly about your own struggles, the more you will undoubtedly discover so many just like you – because the truth is that most of the people you know will have suffered from poor mental health at some point in their lives. This is completely normal and part of the human experience.

With that said, let’s discuss some of the ways you can support and healthy mind, body, and soul.

1. Healthy Eating: What we consume will inevitably impact our body and mind directly, and indirectly. We all know that sluggish feeling we get when we have been skipping out on veggies, consuming excessive amounts of sugar, or simply not getting enough nutritious foods in general. This can present as more than just physical discomfort – it actually has the power to negatively affect your mood. Try to fill your plate with health-conscious choices, and give your brain the fuel it needs to fight symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and memory dysfunction. As well, be sure to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and fight dehydration, which can impair brain function.
2. Exercise: This seems like a given, but it can’t be ignored. The WHO recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise per week – however, this can seem daunting to some. Try not to take an all-or-nothing approach and keep in mind that even a leisurely 20-minute walk outside can be highly restorative and support not only your body, but your mind, too. It is proven that spending even small amounts of time in nature can improve mental wellbeing.
3. Sleep: Possibly one of the most important aspects of a healthy mind – sleep is quite literally your body’s built-in reset system, and not getting enough can negatively influence brain chemistry. Prioritize rest the same way you would food.
4. Mindfulness: This one is merely about finding daily practices to centre your mind and body, quiet your internal and external sensory input, and create new brain pathways to improve resilience, mood, and much more. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, being in nature, painting….these things are like exercise for your brain, and can strengthen your mind and its ability to adapt, respond to challenges and process emotions.

So on behalf of Advanced Home Care Solutions, we encourage you to support your mental health every day of the year with these four principles – your brain will be so much happier for it!