Holistic Tips for Mental Health

It’s been brought to my attention that many of you have been suffering with your mental health. With everything that’s being shared in the media and the happenings in the world today, this is common ground.

First off… I think it’s important to say that everyone suffers with mental health decline from time to time. This occurred with me in my late 20s. I remember being at a gynecologist and him asking me if I was depressed and attempting to hand me an antidepressant. I had been having a bad day it wasn’t like I was suffering majorly but the fact that he was willing to hand out antidepressants like candy was horrific.

The natural antidote for depression and mental health decline in my humble opinion is as follows…

Fresh air and sunshine

The time I spend in nature every day is the most valuable time of my life. Nature is healing. Nature reminds us to get back to self and to source Gaia ~ God. Nature is the only way to soothe all five senses at once. I spend at least two hours in nature daily without my cellular device.

Exercise and Deep breathing

Get adequate Exercise! Even a 20 minute walk upon waking can set your day in the right direction. Never underestimate the power of exercise. The endorphin release alone is worth it. Breath work has been proven to change the way your mind programs itself. I personally prefer yoga or breath with movement.

Eat with full awareness

Eliminating processed foods & alcohol is a must for mental health. Toxicity in the mind cannot exist in an alkaline environment. Drugs alcohol and processed foods along with meat dairy and poultry create an acidic medium in the body. This medium is detrimental to our health and well-being. There is more serotonin that runs in the gut than there is in the brain. Try adding a probiotic every morning like this one. Adopt a plant-based diet eliminating animal products, gluten, sugar and food additives. 

Hydrating w/quality water

We all know we need to stop drinking out of plastic but did you know the type of water you drink matters? I like to drink pure spring water. I never drink flavored water unless I am putting my adaptogenic herbs in the water. Our bodies are made of 80% water. Not giving our bodies the proper water it deserves is denying ourselves of the mental and physical health we deserve. Please hydrate often and hydrate with the proper type of water.

Speaking to a qualified professional/talk therapy

Why do I prefer this over calling a friend or family member? Calling a trusted friend or family member can be tricky. You need to make sure the person you are calling has a vast sense of unconditional love and understanding. You do not want to reach out to a person who will not accept what you are sharing with them and listen with an open heart. Try having at least two people in your mind to reach out to in times of need.

Turning off the TV

If you haven’t heard by now the majority of what you see on the news well it’s fake. The media has a way of making a mountain out of a mole hill. Television shows mass media programming and the news provoke fear in us. We replay the images and words long after the TV has been turned off in our mind. Try unplugging for a day or a week. You will notice a positive difference almost immediately. Spend time in nature. Honestly I do not know what I would do without my outdoor time.

Try Journaling

Sometimes it’s not about sending that letter it’s about writing down our thoughts and feelings so we ourselves can process them. Try keeping a journal in your car in your purse or along your bedside table. Write about your feelings and thoughts often. Try to practice gratitude in life when I have been at my happiest moments such as now it’s because I am enjoying the little things. The sun hitting my face. My roses, my dogs FaceTime with my mother. When we begin to appreciate the little things doors to happiness open. 

My Green Goddess Juice!

From my healthy happy homestead and garden to yours! Don’t forget to drink your juice! I LOVE this juice on mornings that I need a bit of emotional nutrients. 

This juice is from my book Juicing For Beauty!

Although I’ve altered it a bit!

1 bunch celery

1 bunch spinach {I used New Zealand spinach from my garden}

1 lemon skin and seeds in place

1 1/2 inch piece of ginger

2 granny smith apples {seeds included}

Andrea Cox Green Goddess juice