The Heart of the Matter
Internet resource Medical News Today describes mental health as: “cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being.” It is a reflection of our overall healthfulness. Women, because of their busy schedules and attention to the needs of others don’t always leave time to attend to their mental health. But it is important for women to make space to engage in their own emotional, mental, and physical fitness in order to be around to help others.
Mental health can be measured by how well we manage our anxiety, mood, and stress levels. Experts point to a healthy lifestyle as the key to emotional, mental, and physical wellness. For example, eating healthy, sleeping well, and exercising is key.
First, what we eat does play a pivotal role in helping us to improve our moods, our ability to sleep, and may increase our ability to move our bodies more.
How? When we eat a well-balanced diet of healthy fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, heart-healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and seeds, and moderate amounts of lean meats, seafood, and poultry, research shows we feel better.
Also, experts recommend that if we make sleep a priority, it will be easier to maintain other
health behaviors. Restorative sleep will help us to be more alert and energized. When we have a sufficient amount of energy, we can better manage unhealthy anxiety and stress. Dr. Andrew Weil author of the book Mind Over Meds exhorts the following, “Evidence for the health benefits of exercise is overwhelming. Increased physical activity can effectively prevent and treat depression, help normalize high blood pressure, and, along with dietary adjustment, but many cases of type 2 diabetes into complete remission.” (pg. 6) Although most people move around for school and work (inside or outside the home), we could all stand to add some intentional physical activity specifically for our heart and mental health.
Finally, if you are unable to get the nutrition, rest, and exercise that your body needs, I encourage you to seek the support of a nutritionist. Sometimes we need a little additional guidance. The heart of the matter is that a healthy diet, restorative sleep, and regular exercise can help women improve and maintain great mental health.