Self care - A necessity for everyone!!

One that I have always struggled with as I could never make it a priority. But this stuff is important to ensure you live a productive, fulfilled and happy life.

Everybody has mental health and it's always important to look after yours whether or not you have a diagnosed condition, or suffer from an obvious issue like anxiety.

All of us need to work on our mental health to live our best life, and maybe now is the perfect time to start implementing some practices that will benefit you for a long time to come! 💜

The ideas are endless and different things will work for different people but here's some of my ideas.

🍒Connect with others - Especially now keeping in touch with family and friends (via the internet) as well as the wider community is ever more important. Connection is a human necessity and is shown to promote physical and mental health.

Use social media, ( I wouldn't always say this one as its also important not to use it too much and have the opposite affect!), video calling or even writing and old fashioned letter.

🥑Writing a diary or a gratitude journal is associated with better mental health. Concentrating on what you are grateful for. Try and concentrate on the simple things, or the little things that occur every day. This has been shown to alter pathways in the brain for happiness and contentment.

🥥Exercise supports mental wellbeing, immune function, fitness and the prevention of chronic conditions. Exercise is proven to relieve anxiety, stress and depression.

Try to exercise outside, if not look at the many options available to exercise at home.

🍑Spend time in nature to soothe the soul. Go for a walk in the woods, park or nearby nature reserve or outside space. Listen to the birds, feel the breeze on your face, enjoy the quiet.

🍇Have a good sort out of cupboards, your clothes etc. Great for clearing the mind!

🌽 Take up a hobby, gardening, cooking or whatever gives you joy and helps you switch off.

And of course! Still a form of self care!

🍆 Eat well! Ensure you get all the essential nutrients to nourish your body to support optimal functioning and health. Include immune and mood boosting foods such as lots of colourful fruit and vegetables, mushrooms, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds and oily fish. .

🥝 The gut has a huge influence on your mental health, with the gut flora influencing the production of serotonin, the stimulation of the vagus nerve, and supporting balanced emotions and mood, as well as immunity. Eating a diverse range of different foods promotes a healthy microbiome.

The first part of establishing self care is realising it's a necessity and the importance it has on your ability to lead a happy, fulfilled life!

It will always be a work in progress, especially with different inevitable challenges life throws at you!

And remember! Everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes. Including us!!

I hope this helps and you find something that works for you.

If you'd like a sweet treat idea click here. (This is also lovely made with dark chocolate and sprinkled nuts, seeds and dried fruit) 😋

Julie xx.

P.s Click here to find out more about my online programmes. I work with clients exploring underlying imbalances contributing to their symptoms and helping them put into place the dietary and lifestyle practices for better health and wellbeing.