Pursuing better mental health has possibly become more complicated than it needs to be. While genetics clearly play a role in mental health, so does environment. While we can’t completely control genetics but we can influence these aspects of our environment.
Clients will often ask, what are simple things I can do to regulate my emotions?
1). Move more. Something as simple as increasing your walking steps can reduce negative mood symptoms, as well as increase general health. Regular exercise should be a priority for us all but is often the first to go when we are time poor or stressed. We don’t need to buy expensive supplements, or get gym memberships, or keep up to date with the latest diet and fitness trends. We just need to move more.
2). Sleep is crucial. If your sleep starts slipping, so too will every aspect of your mental health. Therefore, if we want to be healthy, we need to prioritize sleep. One of the best ways to do this is to keep a consistent sleep/wake schedule. As much as possible try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even weekends.
3). Nutrition. There are all sorts of nutrition protocols out there, and there is no single one that would be right for everyone. We all have different bodies, different levels of hormones, different metabolisms, different levels and exercise habits. Always aim for “color in your diet” and work to avoid processed junk foods for optimal brain health.
As always, feel free to give us a call for therapeutic support or further mental health consultation. 703-288-3300
