This is my personal roadmap to harmony. This article was written with complete transparency in the methods I use weekly/daily.
My hope is that this will be useful for a reader that struggles with any degree of depression or any level of cognitive chaos.
This is what works
1. Cold Dip. Daily.
The shock of a cold shower/ice bath has an enormous effect on positive thought.
High alertness/clarity are generally what I expect.
It is a mental reset...
and a flood of dopamine.
Energy levels skyrocket. Endorphins rush. check out @Iceman_Hof
2. Mindful Meditation-Cognitive breathing Daily
I was a skeptic as most are.
I found concentrated breathing brought me to center, calmed emotion, and manifested self-healing.
I begin my day with reflection and meditation. I love @InsightTimer.
Calm or Headspace work as well.
3.Long Walks. Daily.
This has numerous operating uses.
Vitamin D, tranquil and meditative moments in nature, and exercise all play a part in relieving depression and anxiety.
There is a noticeable positive difference in mood when I've absorbed sunlight from previous days.
4. Working Out. Weekly.
Personally, its resistance training.
The darkest day flips with an hour of an intense leg day. Reduces stress.
Tidal wave of endorphins.
When I walk out of the gym I cannot be conquered. Find likeminded people/podcasts. I listen to @mindpumpsal
5. Eat Whole Foods. Daily.
I find fruits, veggies, with a high fat diet assist with my mental state.
Leave bread behind.
Stay away from processed foods, boxed or bagged.
I recommend Fruits, veggies, and proteins. When my diet drifts my mood and energy levels regress.
6.Magnesium.
Fish Oil.
Theanine.
IMO these supplements are just that.
Supplements.
These ingredients can come from whole foods.
Green Tea. Salmon. leafy greens. almonds. beef.
Magnesium is king for chronic stress, but also helps sleep quality. @naturalvitality.
7.Hydration.
Yes. Seriously.
When I'm even slightly dehydrated my cognition noticeably tumbles and I constantly fight fatigue.
Anxiety creeps higher.
There is a strong connection between dehydration and depression. I shoot for 100oz per day.
8.Bright Light. This plays somewhat into the need for sunshine/vitamin d connection, however bright light also affects brain chemical that deal with mood and rest.
I wake up and find the sun first thing in the morning. Regulates circadian rhythm. @hubermanlab is the top expert.
9. Sauna. Anecdotal observation.
This is one of the clearest ways I overcome anxiety/stress.
This Improves mood, with feelings of euphoria after. Heat stress also can help inflammation and has been surveyed to improve HGH and testosterone levels. @foundmyfitness the expert.
Sauna (cont.) I love to pair this with the cold shower or ice bath. When my mind is deep in darkness this is the "break glass in case of emergency."
10.Podcasts. I love gaining knowledge by listening to the experts. We live in a unique age. Everything is available. Learning exercises comprehension.
11. Plants. Yes. I said plants.
Gardening improves mental health. I should know. šš
I can almost hear the eye-roll my wife makes as I bring home a Hibiscus or Hydrangea.
Dig around the dirt. Mulch. Cultivate. Watering and caring for plants will appoint peace and positivity.
12. Reading. E-books.
This connects to cognitive exercise as well. However, there is something vital about reading as a method of calm and relaxation.
Optimize your sleep environment.
Wind down.
Make a habit.
16.Practice Gratitude.
Expressing gratitude without question lowers levels of stress and creates a state of general well-being.
-Reach out to a friend.
-Take a $20 out of the ATM and hand it to a homeless person.
-Buy the struggling cashier a snack or bottle of water.
17. Write Daily.
The subject matter is irrelevant.
Write down thoughts, ideas, or whatever feels right.
Write yourself a message.
It works.
It is a process that allows us to identify why we are grateful but also can reflect behaviors, goals, daily triggers, or emotion.
18. Turn off the News.
I enjoy finance news coverage however..
I gradually identified that the news media is/has been less about coverage and more about attracting the largest audience by hyperbole.
The toxicity is palpable, and negatively impacts mental health.
Turn it off
19. Turn up the music.
Seems simple and it is.
We grew into adults rapidly by design or circumstance.
Then we turned off our music.
Find that old band. Turn it up.
Music improves activity in the brain and stimulates brain function, reduces anxiety, and blood pressure.
To summarize.
1.Cold shower
2.Meditation
3.Walks 4. Work out
5.Whole Foods
6.Supplements
7.Hydration
8.Light
9.Sauna
10.Podcast
11.Plants 12. Read
13.Alone time
14.Cut alcohol
15.Improve sleep
16.gratitude
17.write
18.Turn off the news
19.Music
follow me @shawnmichal98
Mental health hotline
855-921-2955
US suicide prevention
800-273-8255
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"Only a third of Americans say they are completely happy." Arthur Brooks once said.
Can we capture and keep happiness by simply living a good life?
Let me show you 3 key elements I have found for keeping your life happy.
The renowned social scientist and prolific author Arthur Brooks states that there are three main macronutrients to happiness. These nutrients must be balanced and also be in abundance to work in synchronicity. @arthurbrooks
If they are not then the balance is tilted rendering it ineffective.