Mental Wellness
Content Courtesy of the Forever Young Podcast with Christiana Egi and Cherrie-Marie Chiu.
Life can often seem overwhelming because we are in the age of instant gratification - instant news, instant test results, same-day delivery…it can all be a little overwhelming. Then came COVID-19 with isolation, and the unknown. The unknown of our work, our businesses, our health… add the unknown to the instant life and the feeling of being overwhelmed was easily multiplied. We truly are living in a special time in history and it is one in which our mental health can take a hit. Today we’re going to discuss how to manage and maintain our mental wellness. Mental wellness is an important factor to consider when thinking about ways to keep our bodies and minds young.
According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” If you experience feelings of sadness, inability to focus, excessive fears, worries and mood changes, it may be a sign that your mental health needs some attention. Because of COVID-19 a number of us may also be feeling fear or anxiety or frustration, because of our work, or lack of work. Others may feel a sense of social isolation or even loss because of the isolation.
Did you know that about 90% of the neurotransmitter – serotonin, commonly known as the happy hormone is produced in the gut?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals from nerve cells to other nerve cells, muscle cells or to gland cells. Neurotransmitters are used by the brain to help regulate breathing, digestion and even heartbeat.
The gut and the brain are connected. If you have ever felt butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous you’ll understand this connection better. Our brain talks to the gut and our gut talks to the brain. The good bacteria in the gut produce chemicals that control mood, appetite, memory and cognition amongst other things. A troubled gut sends signals to the brain - and a troubled brain sends signals to the gut. Thus, as we have already established, a leaky gut causes a leaky brain.
Here are some of the things we can do to maintain our Mental Wellness, especially during a period of isolation where our mental health may be at most risk.
Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every day. Getting enough sleep helps improve our immune systems and as well as reduce stress by allowing our bodies to rest and recharge.
Eat a healthy diet. Especially foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and a lot of other brain foods.
Be active. At least 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week is ideal.
Participate in mental aerobics. Activities that challenge your brain can help you destress.
Lend a helping hand to others. This is the best remedy when you’re feeling down, it helps to take the focus away from yourself. It will make you feel good and positive
Remember to laugh. As they say, laughter is always the best medicine.
Mental Wellness is affected by our thoughts, body reactions, behaviours and emotions. It is very important that we learn how to manage and maintain these behavior, so they don’t get the better of us! Stress cannot be avoided, but you can learn ways to manage stress. Keep a positive mindset. Are you the type of person who sees their glass half-full or half-empty?
The Forever Young podcast is created and produced by Christiana and Cherrie Marie Chiu. Produced and engineered by Elisse Hill. The podcast represents our opinions and those of our guests. The content should not be taken as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional for any medical questions. If you like our show, please tell your friends and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. New episodes are available every other Wednesday. Have questions? Email us at ourforeveryoungpodcast@gmail.com
