Feed Your Mind | Mental Health 2021
We often see conversations about diets, calories, and how to feed the body. How to keep it strong and healthy. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” they say. Well, I believe in more of a holistic approach. When addressing health, it’s useful to remember that what we feed our minds is as important as what goes inside our bellies.
As someone who lives with chronic anxiety and depression and has recently cut ties with meds, I decided to start watching myself. Although what I eat does have an impact on my gut health, and consequently, my mental state, it turns out that how I am “feeding” my mind trumps what goes in my mouth (note: I still eat healthyish though!).
To me, there’s no question that the days I start out by scrolling on social media, are the ones I feel more anxious. Especially with everything that’s been going on lately. One negative thought leads to another, and suddenly it’s a snowball of negativity rolling inside my head. And that means I’m feeding my mind the wrong way.
On the other hand, listening to music while showering boosts my mood. Not pressuring myself to be productive actually helps me accomplish things throughout my day. Reminding myself to take a few deep breaths (and doing so!) in fact calms me down. But besides that, I actually have some “mind food” I want to share. It’s not books or meditation, I guess you get that a lot already. It’s just a few things you can watch, play, and learn with, that I believe can be good for you.
Netflix
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To start, let me introduce you to my other Queen B: Brené Brown. She’s a shame and vulnerability researcher who’s work has helped thousands of people. Her special on Netflix is entertaining, funny, and perhaps what you need to warm your heart.
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bB_XlzERp4&w=854&h=480]
Laughter is one of the best therapies there are, so I’d like to recommend one of the funniest women I know: Ali Wong. I had the opportunity to see her live and almost peed my pants. This special in particular is one I go back to when I know I need a laugh. P.S.: if you have sensitive ears and sense of humor, I’d skip it…
Spotify
Ok, here she is again because as I said, she’s my other Queen B! But seriously, if you’re looking for deep conversations, to grow as a human, and to live your truth, this is THE podcast. I won’t say I’m always in the mood to listen to it, but once a week I try to tune in with an open mind and heart.
I know playlists are pretty personal, but Spotify suggested me this one and I’m obsessed. Songs from the 80s, 90s and 2000s (up to pretty recent ones like “Savage”), great to shower, clean, work out, or simply to help you get out of bed.
I saw Dr. Mariel Buque speak at an EmpowHerNY event and I started following her right away. Not only because of the calm way she speaks, but because the content she shares is a must-stop-scrolling-&-read if you’re interested in starting a healing journey and/or improving your mental health.
Her IG is @dr.marielbuque
I don’t know if you already follow this guy, but if you don’t, please do! His videos full of moves and positivity started going viral in 2019, I think. It took off from there and today he has over 800k followers, and is using his platform to spread love, inspire others, and invite you to make some moves, too!
His IG is @donte.colley
Learn & Play
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As I mentioned, start the day scrolling on social media increases my anxiety. One way I found to help me do something else (while taking my sweet time before getting out of bed) is playing while learning Spanish on Duolingo App. You can choose from many languages, it’s fun and it’s free!
Of course there are many other ways to give your mind some “good food” (literal food is one of them!). These are just a few things that I personally find helpful, and I’m sharing with hopes that you will find them helpful, too. Just remember that feeding your mind the right way is very important, especially nowadays with all the troubles we’ve been facing as a society. Oh, and not to mention (before I forget), this is also self-care. Happy new year!
Disclaimer: each person is different and has different needs. When talking about mental health, there are many ways to find improvement. But what works for me, might not work for you, and vice-versa. That goes with medications, diet or mindfulness techniques. It is crucial that you listen to your body, your therapist, and your doctor, so you can find what works best for you.