2020 has been a tough year for many of us, and as the year comes to a close and we look back on what the last 12 months has brought us, it can be easy to have the many positives eclipsed by the struggles and heartache. Despite our lives taking a sharp 180 degrees turn, there are a few silver linings that cannot go amiss as we step into 2021. One of the many positives that has come from 2020 is the elevated interest in mental wellness, something that has been highlighted by a revolutionary Global Wellness Institute Study. In this study they delve into this ever expanding industry of ‘mental wellness’, something that was growing pre-pandemic, but has taken off increasingly since. Thank goodness!

What is mental wellness?

Looking back to 2019 and pre-pandemic (seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?) stress, loneliness and burnout were exploding, and part of our normal daily lives. It was almost a humble brag to tell your friends and family how hard you were working, despite the negative impact it was having on your mental wellness. Anyone else guilty of this? Whilst the lockdown has brought heartache and its own set of struggles, there has been a cultural mega-shift with people awakening to the importance of integrative solutions such as brain health, sleep and meditation.

With a forced halt on work and a scheduled time-out, those of us who were running on empty could take the time to finally get that much needed 8 hours of sleep, time to indulge in nurturing our mental health and maybe even take a mid-afternoon bath. 

There are four key ways to help you achieve mental wellness: activity and creativity; connection and meaning; rest and rejuvenation; and growth and nourishment. Activity and creativity could be taking a brisk walk on your lunch break. Connection and meaning could be a much needed zoom call with a loved one. Rest and rejuvenation could be utilising aromatherapy to help you achieve quality sleep. And lastly, growth and nourishment can be adding nutraceuticals to your daily routine. 

What are Nutraceuticals?

One of the industries that has boomed over the last 12 months is nutraceuticals, ingestible products with the specific goal of improving mental health and wellbeing. This is where that old saying ‘your are what you eat’ comes back around! We don’t mean you’ll turn into a minced pie if you’ve eaten a whole box of mince pies in one sitting over Christmas (guilty!), but what you put into your body really can have an impact on your overall well-being, including your mental wellness. Nutraceuticals can include brain-boosting natural supplements, herbals and botanicals, and functional foods and beverages, all claiming to help improve your energy levels, memory, brain health and sleep. 

Many mental wellness strategies are free, such as a conversation with a loved one, experiencing nature and deep breathing, it is no surprise that after the year we have had that we are seeking non-clinical help to give us that much needed boost and a helping hand with everyday mental challenges. This can include...

Examples of Nutraceuticals

• Folic acid: Folic acid can be found in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and beans, and combined with prescribed treatments can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C can be found in vegetables and fresh food, and combined with prescribed treatments can help relieve symptoms of depression. 
• Magnesium: Magnesium can be found in green vegetables, nuts and seeds and when combined with prescribed treatments can help relieve symptoms of insomnia and depression.

Just some food for thought!

We would love to hear about your mental wellness strategies via our Instagram @iamscentered.