01 — You are what you eat (& Drink)
The impact of food on mood is a pretty new and exciting area of research. Nutrition plays a significant role in the structure and function of our brain and body. Eating well can improve energy levels, concentration and motivation, lower levels of depression and anxiety and helps us to get a good nights sleep. The brain is 78% water. Keeping hydrated will have a drastic impact on brain function, not to mention the efficiency of the gut to extract nutrients from food.
02 — Meditation is not just for Buddha
Mindfulness and Meditation have been given a bit of a flogging over the last few years. This does not mean it is not vitally important for good mental health. Research clearly indicates that mindfulness and meditation play an essential role in the recovery from PTSD. Though you might be thinking it’s not for you with some clear and easy to follow steps you can learn to calm the mind in ways you never thought possible. And, by the way it is NOT about having no thoughts.
03 — Sweating out anxiety
Exercise releases endorphins, which the brain craves. Sweat also allows our body to release toxins in the blood stream, clearing out room for the good stuff. I’m not saying you need to head out today and run a marathon. Find something active you love to do, not only will it improve your mental health, but you may find exciting new friendships and self worth along the way.
04 — Stop being so hard on yourself (& others)
Probably the hardest thing to implement of all. Acceptance that we are all human, we’re not perfect. If you’re suffering then life is hard enough. Adding self-critical thinking to the mix just makes it harder. We are never as cruel to others as we are to ourselves. You don’t choose PTSD, and if you have developed symptoms it certainly isn’t because of any personal flaw. PTSD happens to strong people too.
