Mental Health Awareness Month!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MAHM). Some people are calling it *Mood Awareness Month* as well. I strongly believe our Mental Health greatly affects our Physical Health. While it is certainly not as simple as 'mind over matter', our mental health is as important to our well-being as our physical health.
Are you the strong one in your social circle? The one who everyone relies on, looks towards for solutions or help? Is anyone checking in on you?
The weight of caring for others can greatly affect our mood and our mood correlates with our mental health. I just want you to know I see you! I am that person in my circles, and over the past few years where my chronic pain has reached higher levels than I could handle, I often mentioned that I was not OK, and sadly was never met with the sympathy/empathy I have shown others. I had one person on Facebook that I have known for years tell me "Do you think that you are the only person in the world with problems?" I thought I felt alone in 2011 when I was in a hospital bed deathly ill and no one seemed to care, but having someone say that to me so pointedly cut to the quick. Not only was it a painful revelation but also one that made me turn inwards and become even more stoic than I already am. Bottling things up is never good!
*Self Care* has been my New Year's Focus Phrase/Intention for a number of years now. Do you know why? Because I haven't been doing the best job of it. Not a lack of knowledge but a set of catch 22 circumstances that hasn't made it easy to be kind enough to myself.
There are three sets of circumstances that share something in common, weight loss, developing healthy eating habits and mental health - people can shove pat answers and platitudes down your throat but until you yourself take the reins, nothing changes. They all also need to start directly with seeking the right Doctor to rule out organic issues for the problem. Provided you have already done that, let's explore ways to improve mood and mental health, not just in May, but everyday! That is exactly what the Ascending Butterfly Empowerment Community is all about.
Which heart are you today?
Before I delve into some ways I am using to improve my mood, I have to start by reminding you that if you are in a dark place, if you are feeling suicidal reach out! Pick up your phone and dial 988, it is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You matter. You are not alone. Tomorrow is a fresh start - but you have.to.stay.
Money is NOT your identity - if you are experiencing financial insecurities there are ways out, if you are experiencing food insecurities apply to the supplemental nutrition assistance program to help get you and your family meals until things turn around. If money is not your issue but too much time is or loneliness has you feeling down, there are tons of not-for-profit organizations who still need volunteers. Look into community organizations in your neighborhood to make an impact on your community!
I am a long time mushroom lover and have been exploring finding more ways to incorporate mushrooms into my daily routine - I do cook with them but was never sure if I was getting enough of their benefits that way.
Here are some mood boosters I have been greatly enjoying!
🦋 If you spend too many hours in front of a digital device - computer, phone, laptop, you are going to be interested in this product! I am currently trying the ScreenProtect Gummy from Pure Encapsulations - I spend all day in front of digital devices. I do have my laptop on the setting that protects me from blue light but since I am in front of a screen literally all day long I thought I could use more help! These papaya flavored gummies are a nootropic blend that support mental endurance and visual function during extended computer use. These support visual acuity & comfort with lutein + zeaxanthin.
They promote mental endurance, support mental alertness for up to 5 hours, and they contain EnXtra Alpinia galanga extract for a caffeine-free mental endurance support. They are indicated for individuals with 3+ hours of screen use daily and are also over 18 years of age! I just started with these so I will report back in a bit on how they are working for me once I have had more time taking them. This is my first nootropic supplement ever so I feel like I have so much to learn. I am trying to get better at taking care of my eye health. I put way too much strain on my eyes both writing and doing photography editing.
🦋 This one says it all in the product's name: Daily Pure Pack - Mood Balance - I felt a difference in three days, and considering I am in constant chronic pain - currently having a Rheumatoid Arthritis inflammation pain flare that my Rheumatologist described as 'the worst I have ever seen and I have been doing this for a very long time' for this supplement to help me balance my mood this quickly is nothing short of amazing. This product helps to: promote positive mood, moderate occasional stress, maintain healthy eating behavior, and support emotional and mental well-being. Results will vary, but I am very optimistic about these for myself so far. I also really like Pure Encapsulations SAMe which I have featured here before.
🦋 Mushrooms are also appearing in beauty products and I have one that belongs on your radar! Doll Skin Genius Hyaluronic & Reishi Mushroom Repairing Serum. This hydrating and repairing serum with reishi mushroom and five weights of hyaluronic acid penetrates deeply and fills skin with hydration for a visibly plump effect. This bottle of serum is definitely vanity worthy and pairs perfectly with my next reco:
🦋 Yes you can apply any serum with your hand, but how about a method of application that in and of itself has multiple benefits? I am obsessed with my new A&G Stone Gua Sha Facial Massage Tool that I purchased at World Market (yes, I bought this one, it was not gifted!) Gua Sha has origins in Chinese Medicine, the smooth edge of the Gua Sha is used to lightly scrape the face and neck to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage and is thought to lift and tone the skin. It is recommended to use it with you favorite skincare, I prefer using it with serums. Rose quartz is considered the love stone so I selected this stone to help enhance my self-care and self-love healing vibes for 2023! They also have this one in Jade if welcoming in prosperity as you manage your self care is more your vibe. Either way, you can't go wrong. Just remember, be gentle, don't tug at your face!
🦋 Scent, Rest and Sleep - I have recommended a few CBD, Melatonin and Teas on these pages that help with sleep. As well as aromatherapy options like lavender that help with relaxation. I don't get enough sleep and I am actively working on getting better with this aspect of my self-care.
🦋 Music - A cheap and easy way to elevate your mood! Have you updated your playlist lately? Try making mood playlists. You don't have to listen to the playlist that reflects your current mood you can listen to the one that reflects the mood you *want* to be in.
🦋 Pets - The benefits to your mood from welcoming a pet into your life are numerous. Pets will return your love and affection ten fold.
🦋 Pay it forward/Good deeds. Pay for coffee for the person behind you on line, or a fast food meal, or for gas, etc. Knowing you are bringing someone unexpected joy will bring you joy as well. And you never know when that good karma will come back to you. More than likely it will be when you least expect it and most need it.
MY TAKE:
So many things can affect our mood positively or negatively, but actively working on what triggers your bad mood and learning to adjust how you react to those stressors will go a long way to preserving a more balanced mood and ultimately your mental health and well-being. Just like with weight loss and developing healthy eating habits, you have to start with small steps and build so those positive new behaviors become a new habit. A new *healthier* behavior!
I am trying every avenue I can to improve my mood and my mental health and being more aware of my mood, of my need to take breaks, and my need to be more disciplined with healthy habits. It's a process and journey, not a silver bullet or an overnight fix.
And yes butterflies, we all just have blah days - those days where we can't put a name to why we are less than our usual selves. It's OK. Take that mental health day. Give yourself permission to rest, to put off the things that can wait until tomorrow, to talk it out with a friend, a therapist, a family member - there are so many ways to elevate your mood.
So don't let that HBO show turn you off to the power of mushrooms! And remember with a supplement you don't have to worry about taste issues for those of you who would like the benefits of mushrooms but don't care for the taste. No, you don't burp up a mushroom taste in your mouth with any of these supplements! 🍄☺
Readers Sound Off: How do you elevate your mood? What heart are you today from the Mental Health Check In Graphic?
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