We all have days where we feel overwhelmed, down or miserable. These feelings usually pass. However, for some of us, these feelings can hang around and become a crippling part of life.

1 in 5 Australians experience mental illness, with 1 in 10 taking antidepressant drugs. There is emerging research and acceptance of natural ways (alongside medications, if needed) to stay mentally healthy.

Nutrition: What we eat can have a major impact on our mood and brain function.  An unhealthy, highly processed diet is associated with increased depression and anxiety.  The Mediterranean style diet was consistently associated with reduced depression risk.  It is also great for the heart!  Several studies have also shown that providing children with breakfast improves academic performance.  Schools with breakfast clubs report improved behaviour in the classroom.

Hydration: Every cell and system in our body needs water for healthy function.  Our brain consists of 70% water and our body a massive 85%!.  Even a 1-3% water loss can impact brain function and mood.

Sleep: Sleep helps the brain process emotional information.  Problems with sleep are associated with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD in a bi-directional matter.

Healthy Gut: Changes in the gut microbiome is associated with depression and anxiety as they produce many neurochemicals used by the brain in mood, memory and learning.  For example, around half of those with IBS suffer depression and anxiety.  Gut bacteria produce 95% of the body's supply of serotonin, a neurochemical that influences both mood and gut activity.

Green Space: Studies have found that those who spend at least 2 hours a week in nature report an increased level of health and wellbeing than those who don't.

Exercise: Numerous studies have shown that those who exercise regularly experience less symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who are more sedentry.  Exercise improves mood through the release of endorphins and serotonin.  It encourages people to get out in the world and thereby reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Healthy eating, sleeping well and exercising are inexpensive ways to stay mentally healthy.  So, if you need assistance due to feelings of low mood and poor focus, come in and speak to one of our friendly pharmacists or naturopaths.