4 Things That Have Been a Game-Changer for My Mental Health

During 2024, I took a deep dive into my health, mentally, nutritionally, and physically. Here are 4 things that have been a gamechanger and why!

1. Moving for 10 Minutes After Eating

Post-meal movement can enhance digestion, improve energy levels, and support overall well-being.

After eating, our body begins the important process of digestion. When we sit or lie still immediately after a meal, the digestive system can face unnecessary strain, slowing down the natural process of digestion. Gentle movement can actually help to stimulate digestion, preventing common discomforts like bloating, gas, or indigestion.

One of the biggest benefits of moving after eating, particularly for women in pregnancy and postpartum, is the improvement in blood sugar regulation. After we eat, especially a carbohydrate-rich meal, our blood sugar levels spike. Gentle post-meal movement can help mitigate this spike, leading to more stable blood sugar levels and better energy throughout the day. AND blood sugar levels are corelated with anxiety. I found that half of my battle with feeling anxious was actually because my blood sugar levels were wack.

2. Sunrise Alarm

Living in Minnesota in the winter, we don't get much sunlight. I, also, realized that one of the reasons I woke up feeling anxious was because either I was getting woke up with an abrupt alarm or from my kids yelling (it just made my blood boil...and that's not how I wanted to start the day). That's why I got this alarm!

I set my alarm to wake up about 15 minutes earlier than my kids usually wake up so that I can gentlely wake up and start my day with peace rather than anxiety. Also, a sunrise alarm is beneficial for your health because it simulates the natural rise of the sun, gradually increasing light exposure to help regulate your circadian rhythm. This gentle wake-up method supports better sleep patterns by promoting the release of cortisol and serotonin, which help you feel more alert and energized. By mimicking natural light, it also reduces the abruptness of waking up, which can lower stress and anxiety levels.

3. Weight Lifting

I've always loved wieght lifting, but the past 4 months I've really been consistent with it. Because of the anxiety I was addressing, it was difficult for me to start to push myself by grabbing heavier weights. However, once I started, it got easier because of how good it made me feel, mentally and physically.

Weight lifting helps alleviate anxiety by promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones, which improve mood and reduce stress. The physical act of lifting weights also encourages a focus on the present moment, which can act as a mindful distraction from anxious thoughts. Regular strength training builds resilience in both the body and mind which has truly translated into my every day life.

4. Mindfulness

   Mindfulness helps with anxiety by encouraging us to center their thoughts on God’s presence in the here and now, fostering peace through prayer and reflection. By focusing on the present moment and surrendering worries to God, it cultivates trust in His plan and reduces the need for control, which often fuels anxiety. I've realized practicing mindfulness is actually practicing the precence of God and leading me to holiness. Click below to hear the mindfulness recordings I've been using.

   “If I did not simply live from one moment to another, it would be impossible for me to be patient, but I only look at the present, I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future.”

   - St. Therese of Lisieux

   
   

If you struggle with feeling anxious, try implementing one of these things as see if it helps! I'm on this journey with you.