This might sound like a rant, but I can’t take it anymore.
First off, many disorders are caused by things out of our control like genetics, brain injuries, chemical imbalances, viruses etc. Please consult your physician for a complete evaluation. Not withstanding, you can do more. If you are like most of us, you are dealing with stress on a whole new level than ever before. Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and our mental state. It is shocking how many people that have been prescribed medication for mental health issue related to stress this past year. I’ve never seen it so bad. But, is that the answer?
Best Recommendation to Reduce Stress
Of course, that depends. Stress is naturally occurring in our bodies, it’s how we deal with stress that is important. If you have been prescribed an anti-depressant and then another drug one to help you focus, that is NOT the only answer! I was recently listening to the Tim Ferriss Show podcast with Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford University. He is a neurobiologist on optimizing sleep, enhancing performance, reducing anxiety, increasing testosterone, and using the body to control the mind. He put it this simple; Get your sleep right, get your nutrition right and exercise five days a week. Hands down, these are the three best ways to reduce stress and improve mental health.
What Does That Mean?
A minimum of 7.5 hour of sleep is recommended to allow the body to recover from the previous days work, stress and /or exercise. Three balanced meals a day are recommended to keep the fire burning, recover from your workouts and give you the energy to perform at the highest level. A balanced meal consists of protein, fat, carbs and veggies. Check out these helpful guides from Precision Nutrition on What You Should Eat and Portion Size. Lastly, you have to EXERCISE! You need to moderately elevate your heart 5 times a week to avoid the risk of heart disease. You need to add 2-3 days a week of resistance training, that means lifting heavy things. Lifting weights increase strength, balance and bone density and that makes life easier. You will also be much less likely to get an injury. Nobody wants to fall and break a hip!
I could go and on, but I want you to get out and exercise! Walk, run, jog, bike, hike join an exercise program, anything to get you moving. Please click THIS LINK and schedule a strategy session if you would like to meet with me to find a program that works for you.