2 Holistic Approaches to Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression and HOW It Works

The crippling symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression can leave us feeling hopeless, unmotivated, and stuck. The good news is that you do NOT have to be a slave to your conditions/symptoms, in fact; you can take CHARGE of your symptoms with the help of these 2 coping strategies that might be able to relieve the pain and stress. Now, since we are constantly bombarded with scientific backed research and super fancy words, I want to break it down in a way we can all understand without feeling lost. Along with any prescribed medications I suggest you try these 2 natural approaches to suppressing symptoms:

1. Start An Exercise Routine: I’m sure you’ve heard it all before but here I will describe in non-medical terms the reason this WILL help allievaite your S.A.D. symptoms. Have you ever noticed that strange “high” you get after you’ve completed a workout? I know you might’ve been a bit exhausted from the workout, but how did your head feel? Not physically, but mentally? During your workout and after your workout your body is releasing various chemicals called endorphins. Think of these endorphins as little sweet gum drops your body is releasing to your brain one-by-one and your brain is LOVING it! Your brain is suppressing those bullying symptoms of S.A.D. Because it’s so happy with all these sweet treats you’re feeding it. Make sense? The release of these “sweet treats” doesn’t just stop there. These treats are literally growing little candylands in your brain and every time you exercise you’re making these candylands bigger and stronger which helps your brain feed on these endorphins more frequently rather than feeding crippling symptoms of S.A.D. Having said this, I do understand that with S.A.D. The motivation to get up and go is just not all the way there. In order to get to this daily habit start SMALL then go from there. For example, start off a week with 10 minutes of exercise, then the next day 20, then 25, then 30+. My challenge for you is to NOTE the way your head feels immediately after the workout. What about an hour after the workout. What about the next day? Take these mental notes and test it for yourself the way your brain lights up after a workout. 

2) Eat More Plant Based Foods: More and more studies have shown the direct correlation between your food and your mood. This correlation starts with your gut. Studies show how your gut is your second brain as the connection is referenced as your Gut-to-Brain Axis. The healthy bacteria in our gut breaks down these foods and releases endorphins to your brain. In order to increase the presence of this healthy bacteria its important to eat a variety of plant based/ fiber rich foods. Again, let’s do a non-scientific analogy to get a better picture. Think of your stomach as a theme park. Now think about the space between your stomach and your brain, stomach being ground level and your brain being the sky. Now think of the highest roller coaster in that theme park, that will be the connection from your stomach to your brain. In order for that coaster to get to the highest point, it needs some serious fuel to get it there. Now here comes the high fiber/plant based foods acting as the fuel for this high flying coaster. But first we need the coaster conductor to press the “GO” button and blast you to the moon (gut bacteria). When the coaster reaches the highest point of the ride think of all those thrill seeking screams as those endorphins to the brain. The brain, again, is now thriving and happy; in turn, surpessing those S.A.D. Symtpoms. My challenge for you here is to keep a food journal; challenge yourself to one week of zero processed foods and note your mood each day. *You can do this along with your exercise challenge!* 

Disclaimer: I am NOT telling you to stop taking your medication. I am challenging you, however, to do this AS WELL as take your medication and note the differences you feel in your mental state. 

Having balance in your mental and physical self is necessary to live your happiest and healthiest life. I am here to help you along that journey and would love the opportunity to discuss your specific road map to get you there. Please message me with all questions and I will be more than happy to discuss.