Since the explosion of coronavirus in 2020 we have seen massive growth in mental health awareness. Some of the most popular hashtags during 2020 were #mentalhealth & #selfcare. (I am excluding the sourdough trend.)

The growing awareness of mental health issues highlighted our tendency to bury our emotions in order to make it through the day. During the lockdowns, a lot of people had more time available to be in their own headspace, and for some people they did not like that environment.

Recent studies show that one in six Americans reached out for therapy for the first time in 2020. In 2021 psychologist's reported an increase of 40% in their businesses. With the addition of online therapy even more people have access to mental health practitioners.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, more than a quarter of Americans are seeking care as of 2022. Using our technological resources, we now have greater access to tools that assist us in identifying stressors in our lives, and give us ways to help manage them without resorting to other coping mechanisms that may be considered harmful.

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The stigma against therapy continues to dwindle thanks to the open conversations happening in the media. In the past, society has framed therapy as a weakness. Therapy is viewed by the majority of the population as part of the norm. As a wellness coach, even though what I do is not clinical therapy, it does help people acknowledge blocks in their daily habits and provide strategies and support.

Still questioning why I mentioned food?

I would be missing the mark if I didn't mention food. Food can have major implication on your mood. It directly impacts our hormone regulators such as Oxytocin, Dopamine, Serotonin, and our Endorphins. One of the quickest ways to help relieve stress and help boost our mood is to reach for nutrient dense food sources. What if you ask yourself, "Am I eating because I'm hungry or am I eating to feed an emotion?"

So before you dive deep into your emotions maybe you just need to dive into a handful of nuts (serotonin), have some salmon (dopamine), or slice up some avocado (ocytocin).

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The best thing about working on yourself is building connection.

It can be:

• Connecting with your mind
• Connecting with your body
• Connecting with your tribe

Connecting with your mind

There are so many ways that you can reach for that connection now in the comfort of your home. Things such as journaling, meditation, online therapy, coaching, can all be done online.

Depending on your needs, here are some apps, I can suggest:

• Headspace
• Calm
• Better Help

If you are a writer grab yourself a prompted journal online. This format gives you thought starters that get the juices flowing. You can pick the topics such as self care, gratitude, anxiety, mood tracking etc.

Connecting with your body

Start out small by introducing colorful whole foods.

Consider reducing or eliminating:

• Caffeine (caffeine acts as a stimulant which can also exacerbate anxiety and depression.)
• Over processed foods (the chemicals and excess sugar can dysregulate our blood sugar and fuel depression)
• Alcohol (impacts sleep and REM cycles)

Connecting with your tribe

One of the largest sources linked to anxiety and depression is loneliness. We are social beings and face to face engagement reconnects us with ourselves and others.

• Try making plans with friends
• Start a new hobby
• Volunteer

If you want to dive into your health and wellness, then I would love to schedule a call and see how I might be able to help you take the first steps. Click on the link below to book your call with me.

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