Mental Health Awareness Month - what does that mean for you?

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to recognize and prioritize the importance of mental health. As we go about our busy lives, it's easy to overlook the impact that our mental health has on our overall well-being. But taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health (some would say *more*)

During this month, we can take the time to learn more about mental health, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. For me, Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder to prioritize self-care and to reach out for support when I need it.

Let’s chat about three things that you can do to improve your Mental Wellness and help those around you.

First things first, take care of yourself or what I like to say is “ You have to put the mask on yourself before you can help anybody else.” This is an important aspect of mental health that can often be overlooked. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, leaving little time or energy for self-care. 

Neglecting our mental health can lead to feelings of overwhelm, burnout, and even depression or anxiety. This month (and always), it's important to prioritize self-care as a crucial component of maintaining good mental wellness. Self-care can take many forms, but ultimately it involves taking intentional steps to prioritize your own well-being. This can include practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. 

One of the keys to effective self-care is finding what works best for you. Everyone's needs are different, and what may work for one person may not work for another. It's important to experiment with different self-care practices and identify which ones make the biggest difference in your mental health and well-being.

In addition to taking care of yourself, it's also important to check in on the folks in your community. Mental wellness struggles can often be invisible, and many people may be silently struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness. By checking in on those around you, you can provide support and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Checking in on someone can be as simple as sending a text message, making a phone call, or arranging to meet up for a coffee or a walk. It's important to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding, and do your best to create a safe space for people to share their feelings without fear of judgment. Even if someone may not be comfortable opening up right away, the simple act of reaching out and showing that you care can make a big difference.

And the third thing is that mental wellness starts before you even think it's an issue. And it can start in your body with your nutrition, with your gut health. 

It's amazing to think that something as simple as taking care of our gut health can have such a significant impact on our mental wellness! 

So, don't worry, taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating. In fact, it can be as simple as paying attention to what you eat and making sure you're nourishing your body with whole, nutritious foods. Fermented foods are great for gut health, and also do a check on your supplements to see that they’re feeding the good bacteria you need, and not the opposite. Make sure what you are putting into your body is moving you in a positive direction.

Taking care of your mental wellness is a journey, and every small step you take along the way counts. So keep moving forward each day, 1% at a time, and it’ll make a difference. If you’re excited to change your body and mind by 1% every day to reach 100% of your health goals and experience food freedom…FOREVER. Join our 100 days of 1% program today!

Remember - taking care of our mental wellness is a year-round endeavor.  And, it’s a journey; every small step we take towards self-care and self-awareness is a step in the right direction. So, let's continue to support each other, break down the stigma around mental health, and make mental wellness a priority in our lives every day.