Nurturing Mental Wellness: A New Year's Check-in with Self Care, Healthy Living and Herbal Support

As we embark on a new year, taking a moment to prioritise our mental wellness is crucial for a balanced and fulfilling life. This blog post explores the synergy of self-care practices, a healthy lifestyle, and the potential benefits of incorporating herbs to support our mental well-being.

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR A FRESH START:

Begin each day with mindful practices such as deep breathing or meditation.

Establish a routine that includes breaks for relaxation and self-reflection.

Cultivate a positive mindset by expressing gratitude daily. Apps like smiling mind and headspace are useful here and provide short practices that are easily accessible and attainable during your day.

EMBRACING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:

Prioritise regular exercise to boost endorphins and reduce stress.

Try following @breathpod on instagram, with Stuart Sandeman, he provides early morning daily practices for free. His page is amazing, and he also has a bestselling book called: Breathe in breathe out that may be of interest to you.

Ensure a well-balanced diet with a focus on nutrient-rich foods.

Books and apps can be useful here, find your favourite chef and buy their latest book, try new recipes and find a new foods that are enjoyable and healthy. If your not the Nigella type and you don’t have the extra pennies, find someone that does easy, healthy nutritious food on a budget. Jamie Oliver comes to mind. Or, if you're time restricted maybe Hello Fresh, or Gusto boxes are a way forward for you and your family. Personally, my family and I have been using Hello Fresh since before the summer and we are all loving it, and it’s not as pricey as you’d think.

Establish a consistent sleep schedule for improved cognitive function and emotional resilience. Maybe it’s time you cut down on caffeine and try something new such as, an herbal tea with Chamomile, passionflower and/or lavender.

SOME HERBS FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING:

Lavender: Known for its calming properties, have a cup of lavender tea, or incorporate lavender oil into your environment for relaxation.

Ashwaganda: An adaptogenic herb that is known to help manage stress and promote a sense of balance.

Chamomile: Enjoy a soothing cup of chamomile tea to unwind and ease anxiety.

Chamomile is also known to help promote sleep and aid digestion.

Ginkgo Biloba: Thought to support cognitive function and mental clarity.

Lemon balm: has several potential benefits. It is known to help reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and improve cognitive function. Additionally, some people use it for digestive issues and as an antioxidant. 

Please remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health conditions and/or take medications before starting any herbal remedies. 

There are so many wonderful herbal teas to enjoy, you can peruse our unique blends Here and read about my own health journey, and why I became an Herbalist below.

By integrating self-care practices, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and exploring the potential benefits of herbs, we can foster a resilient and positive mindset for the year ahead. Remember, mental wellness is a journey, and small, consistent steps can lead to profound changes in our overall well-being.