Mind & Body Resources
FOOD AND MOOD
We are what we eat...or so the saying goes. There is a wealth of information out there that supports the role that nutrition plays in our health.
What we eat can ABSOLUTELY have a positive effect on our mental health and make us feel more positive and happy.
Ms. McSherry and Mrs. Walter have many favorite resources. Though we are omnivore and herbivore respectively, we both agree on this:
If you increase the amount of fruits and veggies in your diet and
decrease the amount of processed foods and sugars you eat
you will feel better physically. You ALSO may experience less anxiety and enjoy greater optimism and happiness.
"This book takes all of the current research on food, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness and explains it in a quick and simple way. If you're interested in all the right foods to eat and what to avoid to help anxiety, you can read that chapter. If you're interested in why exercise is so important to help your mood, read that one. It is a wealth of information explained in a straight forward way that is easy to understand."
"This is my go-to website for all things nutrition! "It is a strictly non-commercial, science-based public service... providing free updates on the latest in nutrition research via bite-sized videos. There are more than a thousand videos on nearly every aspect of healthy eating, with new videos and articles uploaded every day."
Download this app on your phone or iPad. It is the easiest way to remind yourself to eat delicious fruit and veggies and there are fun videos as well!
Sleep Glorious Sleep
Sleep...we love it! we crave it! We need it!
Here are some tips to get your best sleep...
The Basics:
-
Shower BEFORE bed
-
Make sure your room is cool and dark
-
No electronics (TV, phone) at least an hour before bed
-
Read at bedtime
-
Keep daytime naps UNDER 30 minutes
-
Charge your phone in another room
-
Bed is for sleep, not schoolwork
-
Eat well and exercise regularly but NOT right before bed
EXERCISE AND WELL BEING
Moving around! Exercise! Getting out heart rates up and our sweat on can really have a positive impact on our physical AND mental health!
Here are some wonderful resources...
The Exercise Effect
Evidence is mounting for the benefits of exercise, yet psychologists don’t often use exercise as part of their treatment arsenal. Here’s more research on why they should.
Why Physical Activity is Good for the Brain...
Exercise:
An All-Natural Treatment to Fight Depression
Healthy Behaviors: Positive Emotions
