May is Mental Health Month. This month reminds us that the stigmatization of people with mental illness must be fought with compassion and understanding.
Healthcare systems and hospitals play a critical role in providing important resources to support mental health, but everyday therapies can also support mental health. Here are five ways to prioritize your mental health – this month and every month.
Excercise
Maintaining cardio is important for more than just physical well-being. Exercise increases neurotransmitter activity and helps support healthy hormone balance. For example, according to Harvard Medical School, Exercise reduces the amount of stress hormones in the body, including adrenaline and cortisol, the hormones that activate the body’s “flight-or-fight” response. Exercise also increases the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood enhancers. But it’s not necessary to spend hours at the gym or pounding the pavement to reap the mental health benefits of exercise; a simple walk of 20 to 30 minutes a day can be enough to do the trick.
Self-care
No matter how busy your life is, slowing down and taking the time to pamper yourself is like recharging your batteries. Make it a routine to compliment yourself with every look in the mirror, fill the bathtub with your favorite herbal bath, or schedule that massage you’ve been putting off. Taking the time to care for your mind, body, and spirit will make caring for your loved ones easier. You are worth it!
Meditation, yoga and sleep
Rest your mind. Meditation has been practiced in many different ways for thousands of years and can increase empathy, promote emotional well-being, and increase conscious awareness. One study showed that people who took an eight-week mindful mediation course had more focus than people who did not meditate. With so much going on in our world, sometimes all we can do is have empathy for others and own the moment we’re living in, and meditation can help facilitate that state of mindfulness. Learn more about the benefits of meditation.
If even the thought of sitting still and meditating makes you restless, fear not! Yoga can be a great meditative practice, while stretching supports the lymphatic moment and builds endurance and strength. The time you give yourself on the mat is an investment in your well-being. So get out those dusty yoga mats and stretch those limbs.
Finally, it is important to sleep well. Sleep is essential for your body to regain balance. If you find your mind racing as you try to drift off, meditating or gentle yoga in the evening can help support sleep and restful nights. WishGarden’s Sleepy Nights is also great to have on hand for nights where you’re counting sheep instead of sleeping.
Herbal allies
Herbs such as Motherwort, Milky Oats and Passionflower can be effective mental health aids. The Latin name of Motherwort, Leonurus cardiala, means lion heart. It is great for supporting physical and emotional well-being during times of stress and mood imbalance. Milky Oats are seeds of the common oat in the green stage. They deeply nourish your nervous system, especially when it is overworked from mental, emotional and physical exhaustion. Milky Oats is known to also contain a hint of the mineral magnesium. Several studies have shown this the usefulness of magnesium in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Passionflower is known for its unique and beautiful blooms, but this vine-like plant (native to the southern part of the United States) has also long been used to calm worried minds and support restful sleep. The fruit is also edible! WishGarden’s Emotional Ally: An herbal formula from Big Herbal Hug contains all three of the above ingredients to soothe your soul. You can also find passionflower in WishGarden’s Liquid Bliss. This herbal formula also contains cocoa, damiana and cotton root bark, which support and stimulate a healthy oxytocin response. This formula is an ideal companion for your next meditation or yoga session. Consult your doctor or physician before taking herbal supplements.
Gardening
Put your hands in the sand and connect with nature. Humans have had a relationship with plants for thousands of years. Don’t have a large garden? No problem! Growing houseplants, planting a balcony full of flowers or building a raised bed can ease a busy mind. There are many options for growing in small spaces, and sharing space with plants is like always having friends around you. You can talk to your plants, water them and get to know their growth habits. It’s especially worth growing edible herbs so you can harvest a few leaves for your favorite dish or drink. Looking for a place to start? Try Lemon Balm. It belongs to the mint family and is easy to grow. Gardening also creates community, and community is essential to a sense of belonging. Find a community garden in or near your neighborhood. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to or additional mental health help, please see this article list of mental health resources.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the purchasing and sourcing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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