ypgaTaking Time for Mental Health

In our last post, we talked about pesticide use and an increase in depression and suicide. Even without pesticide use, you can become susceptible to depression when you are not focused on mental wellness as well as physical wellness. Increasing your mental health and wellness is paramount to overall wellness. By improving your mental health, you may be able to prevent depression from creeping in. We looked for tips and tricks to encouraging positive mental health.

Exercises for Emotional Wellness  

  • Take ten-minute “quiet” breaks, where all you do is sit, relax, and focus on being in the moment. Have a cup of tea. By shutting down your electronics and taking some quiet “you” time – you can destress and relax your brain too.
  • Pay attention to your breathing. It’s easy to spend our day crunched up at a computer or simply breathe shallowly. Take several slow, deep breaths and hold them for a couple of seconds – breathe in a little more and release. Whenever you think about it, add slow deep breathing to your day also. This will help reduce stress, help you be less fatigued, and oxygenate your cells.
  • Go for a walk. It can be small, but make it a fast one. If you can, stretch it to a good 20-minute brisk walk. Keep in mind that anything is better than nothing. Getting out in the fresh air and oxygenating your cells will help boost your mood.
  • If you have problems with anxiety, take some time at the end of your day to organize tomorrow’s “to-do” list. This will help you find some organization in your life and can help you prioritize what you can control and let go what you can’t.
  • Learn to say “no.” Some people are born caretakers and inevitably take on too much. Others depend on the caretaker seemingly for everything. Carrying your burdens and the burdens of others can be unhealthy. Saying no to take care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s a necessity. After all – if you’re sick how can you care for others?
  • Make time every day for at least one activity you enjoy. You can read a book, take a walk, play a game, or take a little time for that hobby you have been dying to start.
  • Drink water and add physical activity. Dehydration is a maker contributor to fatigue, mood swings, and headaches (among many other physical symptoms). Make sure you are drinking, at least, the minimum amount of 8 – 12 glasses of water every day. Then take a few minutes for Yoga, Pilates, or another form of physical activity to raise your endorphins and your mood.
  • If you suffer from an anxiety disorder or depression – seek professional help. You can also make small mini-goals when suffering from depression. We can sympathize that some days the act of simply getting dressed can be a monumental task. A mini-goal every day will help you to feel more accomplished and get yourself back on track.

As always, eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day, drinking water, exercise, and ensuring balance in other areas of your life is paramount to good health. Staying pesticide and chemical-free will ensure that nothing gets in the way of your wellness efforts.

Applications & Resources

iGOZEN is a philosophy and a way of life. We believe in finding balance in everything we do. We focus on living for today, and keeping ourselves accountable for how we treat each other and our environment. We hope you enjoy our blog and articles and encourage you to find ways to bring peace and balance into your own life.