Depression and anxiety are very common in the US.

In the past I’ve suffered from clinical depression and I’ve experienced anxiety for as long as I can remember.

The reason I practice mindfulness and yogic breathing is because of the anxiety I experience.

Below are 5 TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH – Enjoy!

1.  EAT REAL FOOD

Did you know that it is estimated that over 90% of your body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter critical for balancing mood, is produced in the intestines, not in the brain? 

By eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and real food – meaning no processed foods – you create a healthier intestinal tract to set you up for better mental health.

I’m not talking about low-fat yogurt and granola here – I’m talking about nutrient dense vegetables, fruits, and spices like kale, blueberries, sweet potatoes, collard greens, avocado, swiss chard, turmeric, eggs from free-range chickens, cashews, mustard greens, ginger, walnuts, broccoli, etc. as the staple of your diet.

2.  NURTURE AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Although our culture may think more is better, nurturing authentic relationships is about the quality of interaction with friends and loved ones, not the quantity. Being with someone you love and can authentically connect with fosters a sense of well-being and increases a positive love hormone called oxytocin. 

By being vulnerable and sharing your true feelings in a relationship, you create a sense of social connectedness that is critical for emotional health.

3.  PRACTICE LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Living in the past is linked to depression and worrying about the future is linked to anxiety. Try being mindful instead.

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with compassion and without judgment.

By living in the present, you release the grip of the mind to holding onto the past or projecting fear into the future. With continued practice, you will savor the richness and simplicity of what is right in front of you, the present moment.

4.  LET GO WHAT NO LONGER SERVES YOU

With age comes more wisdom and usually less tolerance to put up with places, situations, and people that drag you down. Use this to your advantage and cut ties with the things that feel like dead weight.

Examples include de-cluttering your physical space, eliminating an unhealthy habit, or setting clear boundaries with friends and family.

5.  CULTIVATE JOY IN DAILY LIFE

Everyone wants to be happy. Joy is not something that happens to you. Joy can be cultivated. Name five things that make you laugh, feel light-hearted, or brings a smile to your face.

What you practice strengthens so practice incorporating these activities into your daily life. By cultivating and experiencing joy, you will spend less time managing unpleasant symptoms and more time experiencing happiness – the ultimate state of satisfaction!

Enjoy this practice!

PS – All of these tips require you to take care of yourself.

If you have trouble consistently taking care of yourself – either because of time, motivation, or feelings of guilt by spending time or money on yourself – click here to receive my free audio training, ‘3 Secrets to Self-Care Without Feeling Guilty.’

© Copyright 2013 Capri Health – Angela Savitri

www.freedomfromchronicstress.com