In today’s day and age, it’s often necessary to press pause on social media platforms and press play on real life. Whether it’s TikTok, Twitter, or Instagram, endless scrolling can leave you feeling jittery, stressed, and on edge. Too many people spend more time browsing social media feeds than they do engaging with people face to face. The constant scrolling is very negative, which is why taking a break from social media can benefit your health. 

You may not think that you are a social media addict, but how many times do you check your social platforms on a daily basis? Do you search memes or mindlessly scroll through reels when out at a restaurant? Is capturing the moment on your phone more important than experiencing it through your own eyes? If this describes you, it’s time to take a break from social media. 

What Is A Social Media Cleanse?

Basically, a social media cleanse is a fancy way of saying “taking a break” from social media. “Cleanse” is a buzzword, which is why a lot of health websites use it in regards to things like a social media cleanse. A hiatus from the Twitterverse, for example, can last for a week or months; it really just depends on your Internet habits. Mental health experts explain that taking a break can help reduce the risk of addictive habits or behaviors. Notifications, messages, likes, and comments are little dopamine jolts. These can feel good, but the negative attention, or lack thereof, on social media can send you into a downward spiral. When you take a break from the screen, you may experience the following benefits. 

You May Sleep Better

There are many people who sleep with their phone, clutching it like a child cuddling a stuffed animal. Some people scroll their way to sleep, while others cannot sleep because they scroll right up until bedtime. Artificial light from your phone or screen can interfere with the body’s melatonin production. This hormone is responsible for helping you fall asleep, so looking into the social media void can make this process very difficult for your body. Separating yourself from social media will not only lead to less time in front of your screen, but it may also aid your sleep. 

Curb Your FOMO

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the daunting feeling you get when you’re plugged into your device. Psychologists say that linking up to a large social media network can make where you are in the world feel like it’s the wrong place to be. Naturally, you experience FOMO, but professors at Kent State University say that where you are in the moment is often the right place to be. That said, the absence of social media can create FOMO because you worry that you are missing a friend’s wedding announcement or baby shower celebration. Sometimes, though, you just need to unplug to appreciate that you are supposed to be exactly where you are. 

Improve Your Self-Esteem

Constantly scrolling through social media can cause many people to compare lives, bodies, and achievements with everyone else. Friends and influencers alike can make it seem like your life isn’t going the way it should, or that it doesn’t measure up in quality. According to scientists, this constant comparison leads to high rates of depression. A digital detox can help you focus on yourself and reconnect with the people, things, or places that make you happy. Freeing yourself from comparison is often one of the best things you can do for mental health and self-esteem. 

Free Up Your Time

If you stop scrolling, you can free up space in your life to complete other things, which you may avoid. Get out from behind the screen and take a walk, clean your kitchen, organize your closet, rearrange your living room, or go to the gym. You never know what possibilities exist outside of the screen if you never take a break. You may find that you want to devote more time to painting, practicing an instrument, volunteering, or hanging out with friends. The social media-free world has so much to offer, so what will you do?

You May Relax More Easily

As we mentioned earlier, excessive social media use can lead to issues with self-esteem, but it can also lead to loneliness, depression, and stress. A 2017 meta-analysis examined 61 studies that examined social media’s relation to mental health. The researchers found that social media may not affect everyone the same way, arguing that people may not experience depression or self-esteem issues. However, psychologists suggest that taking a break from social media can help reduce anxiety. It lessens the obligations to respond or comment, which can become stressful.

SHARE:

The post 5 Benefits Of Doing A Social Media Cleanse appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

How do you ring in the season of pumpkin spice and Halloween candy? Do you head to pumpkin patches, go apple picking, or get in the fall spirit by decorating your home? However you enjoy the fall season, one thing is for certain: your mental health deserves attention as the weather changes. In the blink of an eye, the holidays will be here and stress levels will skyrocket. Making a point to devote time for self-care in the fall can greatly benefit you towards the end of the year. 

Why Do You Need Self-Care?

Stress is a natural part of life for everyone. Sometimes, stress is that little extra nudge you need to complete a project on time. There are a lot of negative stressors in your life, though, and you can’t avoid all of them. Self-care helps to counteract the negative effects of stress! Without self-care practices, stress can build up in your system, boiling over and wreaking havoc on your body. Stress goes beyond anxiety and mental exhaustion; rather, it can make you eat unhealthy or physically ill. 

Self-care is all the steps and actions you take to nourish you physical, mental, and emotional health. Exercise, talking with a friend, cleaning your house, soaking in a bath, getting a massage, or making a meal count as self-care practices. As the seasons change, it is nice to adapt your self-care practices. You don’t have to make extravagant changes, but it can be nice to embrace certain aspects of fall and incorporate them into your life. Read on to learn about some helpful self-care practices for fall. 

Embrace The Sunshine

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts about one in every 20 American adults. The change of season, no matter if the weather transitions from warm to cold or cold to warm, triggers the condition. For those who suffer from this condition annually, it can be beneficial to embrace the sunshine whenever you get the chance. If you notice that your mood dips as the days get shorter and weather gets colder, go outside if the weather permits. You can also speak with your doctor about taking the right steps to treat SAD with light therapy. Many people find that this therapy greatly improves their mood and SAD symptoms. 

Savor A Warm Drink

Half the fun of colder weather is enjoying an amazingly soothing warm beverage. While we don’t encourage you to consume sugar-laden pumpkin spice lattes on the regular, and occasional one may bring you joy. Tea, coffee, cider, or cocoa are the classic hot beverages that seem to warm the soul. Maximize this self-care practice by taking the time to enjoy the beverage. Don’t simply gulp it down in the car while commuting; rather, take the time to sit, relax, and enjoy your drink. Listen to a podcast, read a book, or watch an episode of your favorite show with your hot drink. 

Spruce Up Your Space

A change of seasons is a great opportunity to give your space a thorough deep cleaning. Getting rid of unnecessary things can be difficult, but also very relieving in regards to stress. Put away the summery things and get out the fall and winter items you’ll use until the spring. Leaving your summer things in your house along with the fall things can create clutter, which can induce stress. Make sure to place your seasonal decorations in bins that you clearly label. Store them in a garage or shed, if that is a viable option, so that they aren’t cluttering up the inside of your home. 

Layer Up And Walk Outside

Before the temperatures become frigid, depending on where you live of course, enjoy the outdoors. You don’t have to venture into nature, although that is never discouraged, because a neighborhood stroll is enough to recharge the batteries. According to research, being outside while the sun is shining may help decrease symptoms of depression and boost levels of happiness. If the temperatures are chillier in the fall, dress yourself in some warmer layers that you can shed as your body warms up during the walk. Try to go on a 30-minute walk whenever you feel overwhelmed, and increase the benefits of this walk by talking to a loved one on the phone. 

Get Out Your Favorite Fall Clothes

Sweater weather is a thing, folks, and bundling up in a cozy sweater is like giving yourself a giant hug. Not only that, bundling up when it gets colder can feel quite soothing, almost as if you are receiving a giant hug. There is also value in wearing clothing that makes you feel good about yourself. Researchers say that wearing something you love triggers the release of dopamine, a hormone that ignites the reward center of your brain. There is even a #DopamineDressing trend with hundreds of thousands of posts on Instagram!

SHARE:

The post Helpful Self-Care Practices That Are Perfect For Fall appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A little over one year ago, gathering with friends in any scenario seemed dangerous, life-threatening even. Going out and playing a pick-up game of basketball wasn’t possible. Smiling at strangers could only be done through masks. More than one year later, however, things are looking up. 

Many adults around the country continue to experience feelings of euphoria as the country transitions into a recognizable state of normalcy. Visiting family, grabbing after work drinks, attending concerts, and going to movies are all possible now. For most people, being within six feet of a stranger is no longer a threat. The fact of the matter is that the world is reopening and the joy of it all is infectious. 

What Are The Numbers?

Since January 20, 2021, COVID-19 cases in the United States have gone down more than 90%. According to a mid-June 2021 report, roughly 175 million Americans received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. That number includes 74% of adults over 40 and 87% of all seniors over 65. In 14 states, at least 70% of adults have received one dose of the vaccine. As younger people start to receive the vaccine, the path to what we knew as normal is clearer than ever. 

Post-Pandemic Joy: What Is It?

There was a common saying throughout the pandemic when it came to interacting with people. “When this is all over,” became something that friends and family said in regards to living life post-pandemic. The sad reality was that the pandemic was ever-changing; nobody knew how long it would last or how serious it would get. While a mild level of danger still remains, fear has subsided and a mental switch flipped. People are ready to break out of their cages and navigate the world again.

Because people had the “when this is all over” mindset, meeting up with people and doing regular things feels that much better now. It’s time for fear and sadness to go and for joy to take over. That being said, some people remain hesitant or fearful of reentering society. It’s perfectly understandable to experience mild anxiety about being in unmasked social settings. People will enter back into the world in their own way that feels comfortable. 

Why Does Everything Seem To Feel Great?

For the majority of the pandemic, people had to suppress happiness. That’s why rates of depression and anxiety skyrocketed. There was a wall, essentially, between the self and pleasure/happiness, creating an absence of joy. Now, there are little to no limitations as to what you can enjoy, especially if you are fully vaccinated. Something as simple as going over to a friend’s house for a barbecue may feel as thrilling as summiting Mount Fuji. Walking into a grocery store without a mask is riveting. Hugging family members is an emotional experience. Going on dates is possible. Almost anything and everything can trigger joy! 

Doing things in the world perpetuates the release of dopamine, which is a reward/feel good hormone. The body releases dopamine during a new and pleasurable experience. It often occurs when you do something exciting, for example, visiting a new country or trying a new activity. The body can also release dopamine after joyful or pleasurable experiences are withheld from a person for a long time. 

That’s why things that used to be commonplace are now exciting and pleasurable. The realization is that people didn’t fully understand how much these things meant to them before the pandemic. Variety kept things interesting and pumped people full of good hormones. That’s coming back again and isolation and loneliness are in the rearview mirror. 

Things To Keep In Mind

Everything is not simply feel good hormones and good times with the return to normalcy. Some people still need space. Strangers in the grocery store aisles aren’t ready for your hugs just yet. People will eventually arrive at the “woohoo” state, but please take consideration for those who are not there yet. Spread kindness and love, but don’t overextend your joy vibes. Letting loose can still have consequences, as the pandemic is not over yet. Take time to adjust to the new world and savor those joyful highs you continue to experience. 

SHARE:

The post Post-Pandemic Joy: Why The Simple Things Feel Good appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

You could say that lion’s mane mushroom has some street cred, given that it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It’s quite a shaggy mushroom, and if you squint hard enough and use your imagination, it resembles a lion’s mane. It is also commonly sold in powdered form, and you may see people mixing the lion’s mane powder in their coffee or tea from time to time. Are these people micro-dosing, or simply privy to something that you don’t know about?

What Is Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s mane is not a psychedelic mushroom, but it does have some pretty magical health benefits. The bioactive substances in lion’s mane positively affect the brain, heart, and gut. Since research of neurodegenerative disease prevention is ongoing, lion’s mane has been heavily studied within recent years. Research has determined that it is a nootropic, also known as a smart drug. You could say that lion’s mane is like a pencil sharpener for the brain. Below, you’ll find some of the most important benefits of lion’s mane mushroom.

Reduce Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety

According to a 2010 research study, in which 30 women were examined over a four-week period, lion’s mane mushroom proved to reduce mood disorders. The study had one group of women eat lion’s mane mushroom cookies and the other group eat placebo cookies. At the end of the study, the group that ate lion’s mane cookies reported a reduction in depression scores. Other preliminary studies show that lion’s mane can improve the function of the hippocampus, which is responsible for emotional and memory responses. Boosting the hippocampus may reduce anxiety symptoms and depressive behaviors.

Improves Cognitive Function

Lion’s mane is your fungal friend, especially when it comes to boosting brain health. More and more evidence has revealed that lion’s mane has a positive effect on focus, memory, and overall cognitive function. Several studies, which focused on mental function in the elderly, found that the mushroom boosted mood, improved focus, and led to a more peaceful state of mind. There is also preliminary evidence that lion’s mane interacts with the kappa-opioid receptors in the brain, which are linked to learning and memory.

Protects Against Ulcers In The Digestive Tract

The development of stomach ulcers is typically caused by the overgrowth of H. pylori bacteria or damage to the mucus layer of the stomach’s lining. According to several studies, lion’s mane extract may prevent the growth of H. pylori, which protects the stomach lining from becoming damaged. Another benefit of this mushroom is that it can reduce inflammation in the intestines and inhibit tissue damage. This is good news for those with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Immune Support

Similar to other medicinal mushrooms, lion’s mane contains polysaccharides and beta-glucans, both of which have been associated with improved immune function. The aforementioned gut health benefits of lion’s may positively affect probiotic gut bacteria, which is beneficial for the immune system. The anti-inflammatory properties work in conjunction with the probiotic activity to help fight inflammation and keep the immune system functioning at optimum level.

Decreases Symptoms Of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Superfood specialists, Joy Coelho and Jay Denman, have reported that lion’s mane works to get rid of amyloid plaque, which is a protein that impairs cognition and harms healthy neurons. A 2008 study found that people who consumed lion’s mane on a daily basis reported improved cognitive function. It also works to build myelin sheaths, and the breakdown of myelin is one of the main contributing factors to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Researchers attribute these abilities to the powerful antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and reverse brain cell degradation.

SHARE:

The post Lion’s Mane Mushroom Boosts Memory, Focus, Mood, And More appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Have you ever encountered those people that have an innate glow, seemingly from the beginning of their day until they fall asleep? You know exactly who we are talking about. They are most likely fit people who pretend like they don’t do anything for their sculpted physiques and stress-free lives. These fit guys and gals most likely have one thing in common: they have a specific morning routine that they try to complete every day.

Some of you may be thinking that you don’t want to get up and take part in a series of exercises, physical or mental, in the morning. Do you want to help reduce stress levels, rev up your metabolism, improve mental health, and invite more positivity into your life? If you would like to adopt one of those things into your life, it’s time to plan out a morning routine. You don’t have to do all of the following suggestions; rather, mix and match practices that work best for you. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t challenge yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone, though. Don’t be afraid to push yourself towards excellence.

#1: Don’t Look At Your Phone For At Least One Hour

Smartphones are amazing pieces of technology, but they are also contributing to increased anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, sleep troubles, and poor posture. Grabbing your phone as soon as you wake up is not a healthy habit; rather, it can be quite unhealthy for you mental state and productivity levels. When you avoid your phone for at least an hour after waking up, you may notice that your thoughts are clearer and the urge to look at your phone lessens throughout the day.

#2: Hydrate Immediately

After you get your wits about you from your sleepy state, fill that glass up with some high quality H2O to rehydrate your body and allow for better digestive energy throughout the day. Water comes before any other beverage in the morning! Yes, even before coffee or tea. The purpose of this is to not dehydrate the body more than it already is. Plus, starting your day with water encourages you to drink more water throughout the day.

#3: Set An Alarm That’s Fun

Nobody wants to wake up to the standard, annoying ringing alarm clock, which you inevitably want to smash for disturbing your slumber. Wake up to a song that immediately puts you in a good mood and gets you moving. If you set “Happy” by Pharrell Williams for your alarm clock, for example, chances are you are going to wake dancing and start the day in a positive mood.

#4: Recite Positive Affirmations

This isn’t a practice for everyone, but many people find that reciting or listening to positive affirmations in the morning inspires positivity and motivates them to be more productive. Affirmations can also boost self-esteem, self-appreciation, and force you to speak the positive truths about yourself that you know exist. It is common to recite a single affirmation while meditating to visualize what you want to accomplish during the day.

#5: Exercise

You knew this was coming, so don’t act surprised. Most people are stationary at a desk all day, and the most exercise they get is walking to the bathroom and back to the desk. A morning exercise routine doesn’t have to be a grueling workout that leaves you in pain all day. It’s an opportunity to avoid the sedentary lifestyle, get the blood flowing, and increase mobility and range of motion. Consider a simple yoga routine, at-home H.I.I.T workout, or even dance to your favorite song like nobody is watching.

#6: Fresh Air, Sunlight, And Deep Breaths

A cloudy day does not mean that it is dark as night outside. Open those curtains or blinds and allow the natural light to enter your home. Sunlight helps to awaken your senses and invites positivity into your day. Take it one step further by opening a window, or two, or three. Fill your lungs with fresh air because oxygen provides the brain with energy. If you are experiencing tremendously hot temperatures, it’s acceptable to only open windows for a short while.

Finally, begin each day as though it is a blank canvas that is ready to be painted. Leave your thoughts, arguments, and frustrations from yesterday behind and begin today anew. There’s no room for negativity in your new day.

SHARE:

The post 6 Things Healthy People Do Every Morning appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Soaking in a bath is an incredible sensory experience. Occupational therapists say that a child’s fine motor and visual motor skills are improved as he or she plays with bath toys. While children may be more sensitive and thrilled about the bubbles, sound of splashing water, bonding with parents or siblings, and bathroom echoes, adults can enjoy baths too. Your inner child may still be excited by bubbles and echoes, and that’s okay! You don’t need an excuse or special reason to take a bath; just take one.

A Brief History

On this day in history, the story goes that Archimedes, a Greek mathematician and scholar, discovered that an object’s volume could be accurately measured by being submerged in water. He was taking a bath at the time, but was so ecstatic that he jumped out of the bath and ran naked through the streets of Syracuse, Greece shouting, “Eureka! Eureka!”

The time you spend in the bath doesn’t have to be profound like it was for Archimedes, although certain people do some of their best thinking in the tub. You can have fun in the bath with your child(ren)! In a recent survey conducted with 300 U.S. mothers, 73% of them believed it was important to use bath time as a way to discover and explore. Check out some quick bath facts from the study below:

• 58% of the moms gave their child a bath 4-7 times a week
• 90% of the moms looked forward to bath time because their child was more relaxed and happy afterwards
• 65% of the moms used bubbles during bath time

How The Temperature Affects You

The temperature of your bath can offer a variety of therapeutic benefits. While a piping hot soak can provide relief from muscle pain or temporarily block your pain sensors, a warm bath can benefit the immune system. After a hard workout, a cold bath may be better to help decrease the built-up lactic acid in the bloodstream. The cold temperature also works to improve recovery time.

Keep in mind that the time at which you take a bath can also affect the body in different ways. A warm bath in the evening may help to relax the body and induce a better night’s sleep, while a morning bath can be beneficial for creative ideas.

Celebrate your soak on International Bath Day! Taking baths can help improve your mood and promote optimism, in addition to the physical benefits we explored in this article. When you take a bath, do you add anything to it? Have you tried using some of our bath drops? Let us know! Try the following bath bomb recipe and let us know how you like it!

DIY Bath Bomb

The ingredients in this bath bomb recipe work to naturally soothe itchy or dry skin, and can even be beneficial in relieving muscle pain. We recommend making this mixture in bulk because this ingredient list only makes about two big bath bombs. Click here to make the bath bomb.

A Bath To Relieve Sinus Congestion

Sinus congestion is irritating and extremely common during the colder months. Warm up the body and relieve congestion in this bath. Click here to decongest your sinuses during a soothing bath.

Amazing Healing Ingredients For Your Bath

If you are looking to calm the mind, reduce muscle pain, reduce acne, or alleviate eczema, take a bath with these 7 healing ingredients. Click here to find out what those ingredients are.

SHARE:

The post Have A Soak For International Bath Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Most cases of depression require treatment in some form or another. Be it therapy, medications, counseling, or self-care (sleep, physical activity, and diet), depression needs to be communicated and addressed so that it doesn’t worsen. According to research, eating the right foods ties with getting adequate sleep for combatting depression.

Diet is an integral part of mental health, so much so that there are specialists known as nutritional psychologists. The foods people eat can influence both physical and mental health. Multiple studies have found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, antioxidants, and wild caught fish and low in animal foods decreased a person’s risk of depression. Consuming a lot of processed foods, meat, meat products, refined grains, sweets, dairy products, and avoiding fresh, plant-based foods increased a person’s risk of depression.

Does Poor Diet Or Depression Come First?

This debate is almost like the chicken or the egg argument. Being depressed may make you more prone to eating unhealthy foods, but eating unhealthy foods may lead to depression. According to research, people who followed a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, had a decreased risk of developing symptoms of depression.

While it can be difficult to opt for healthy foods when you find comfort in a bag of chips, eating healthy can be a great way to improve your mental health. Follow the dietary recommendations in this article to naturally decrease your risk of depression.

More Whole Foods, Less Packaged

The excess sugars, fats, and hormones from dairy products and processed foods can lead to mental and physical ups and downs. Food in its natural state (i.e. foods without chemicals, additives, or refined sugars) is rich in a variety of essential nutrients that help the body function optimally. Clean eating doesn’t necessarily translate to veganism or vegetarianism. Vegans and vegetarians can eat poorly if they are focusing on soy products or frozen, fake meat products. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains should be your focus.

Eat Your Tomatoes

The only thing holding you back from doing this is a tomato allergy! Tomatoes contain a lot of folate and alpha-lipoic acid, both of which have been known to naturally fight depression. A research study that was published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, found that depression patients were deficient in folate. Folate helps to prevent the formation of homocysteine, which partially inhibits the production of important neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Alpha-lipoic helps to stabilize your mood because it turns glucose into energy.

Healthy Diet = Better Mood

Dieting can cause stress, but stress hormones can cause you to break your diet. Stick to the path of clean and healthy eating to naturally boost brain health and mood. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids work to encourage healthy brain function and can naturally reduce depression symptoms. Over the last century, there has been a massive shift away from natural foods containing omega-3s. Several studies attribute the rise in mental health disorders to the lack of fatty acids in peoples’ diets. Foods that are high in omega-3s include avocados, walnuts, Brussels sprouts, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.

Cut Out The Sweets

Eating a lot of foods with refined sugars can take your blood sugar levels on wild ride over peaks and valleys. Sticking to foods in their natural state can help eliminate cravings, reduce inflammation, and promote a better outlook on life.

The moral of the story is to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. You want to avoid foods that contain refined grains, refined sugars, animal products, trans fats, and antibiotics. Your diet has a bigger influence on your mental health than you think, so keep eating clean to help avoid depression symptoms.

SHARE:

The post How Clean Eating Can Fight Depression appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Mental Health Awareness Week is held in May every year, but the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to raise awareness about a specific issue on World Mental Health Day on October 10^th every year. It is integral to ensure that people are comfortable talking about mental health and that any related topic is not feared.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2018 is “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.” Adolescence and early adulthood are important periods in life. So many exciting changes happen, but these changes can often bring about feelings of stress, apprehension, and anxiety. The worst thing a young person can do for his/herself is bottle up these feelings and avoid communicating them to anyone, because that can lead to mental illness.

Did you know that 50% of mental illness begins by age 14? Common mental illnesses in the adolescent years include depression and anxiety, both of which can lead to suicidal thoughts or risky behaviors that put lives in jeopardy. Considering that suicide is the second leading cause of death between the ages of 15-29, it is best to open the discussion about mental health so that the condition or feelings can be managed.

There is growing evidence that providing support for adolescent mental health brings greater benefits in the long run. Aside from overall health, findings indicate that the importance of building mental resilience leads to greater contributions to family, the workforce, and society as a whole.

Prevention can only begin by detecting and understanding the early signs and symptoms of mental illness. Building mental resilience is integral for adolescents to feel confident and maintain self-esteem. While teachers may provide psychosocial support in school, it is best to make the adolescent comfortable at home, a place where he or she shouldn’t be afraid to talk about feelings or sensitivities.

Always talk about mental health. The less we talk about it, the less we can offer help and promote healthy societies.

SHARE:

The post What You Need To Know About World Mental Health Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The body responds accordingly to the food you feed it. You may find joy from indulging in a chocolate bar or eating some French fries, but these foods offer brief happiness. The food industry has learned to entice us to experience happiness by eating the worst ingredients, nutritionally speaking. These foods typically cause bloating, fatigue, poor digestion, or make us feel bad about ourselves.

If you think that your mood has nothing to do with your overall health, you are mistaken. Feeling down in the dumps, stressed, or depressed can inhibit weight loss, disrupt the digestive process, induce headaches, and compromise the immune system. There are foods, however, that work to naturally improve one’s mood.

That’s right, people! What you eat can influence the way you feel. It can take time to learn which foods provide you sustained happiness and which foods only bring joy for a moment. Hint: the foods that provide short-lived happiness are not good for you. You need foods that provide long-term nutrition for the brain.

There is no singular superfood that will make you happy. You have to look at your diet as a whole to have a powerful effect on cognition and overall mood. Focus on foods that contain brain-healthy nutrients. When you have a craving for something unhealthy, try to opt for some of the following mood-boosting foods instead.

Raw Nuts

While you shouldn’t go nuts on nuts, these bite-sized snacks are replete with mood-boosting properties. Walnuts and cashews are full of serotonin, which is a feel-good chemical that is not readily available when you’re feeling down. Try to limit yourself to no more than a handful in one sitting. Remember: don’t eat the roasted, seasoned varieties, and try to avoid peanuts because they are rough on the digestive system.

Leafy Greens

Chard, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens contain high levels of magnesium. Most Americans are magnesium deficient, and this has been linked to the development of anxiety or depression. Magnesium has a positive impact on serotonin and helps to boost your mood. For additional magnesium sources, click here.

Strawberries

Who can argue with the delicious taste of strawberries? These berries are rich in manganese and vitamins A & C, all of which help to inhibit brain degeneration. Additionally, these nutrients help to increase the production of the happy chemicals that the brain produces.

Fermented Foods

More and more research is being conducted about the importance of intestinal gut flora. Additionally, research suggests that being deficient in healthy gut bacteria can influence your behavior and mood. Reports have concluded that people who consume fermented foods, which are rich in probiotics, have decreased stress levels and a more positive mental outlook, as opposed those who don’t consume probiotics. Try eating sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, and fermented vegetables.

Grapes

Probably one of the easiest fruits to snack on, grapes are packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been known to improve one’s mood. Some of you may be thinking that you can reap these benefits by consuming wine. No, no, no. Alcohol is a depressant, so keep your spirits lifted by eating fresh grapes.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms offer more health benefits than the average button mushroom. These mushrooms contain vitamin B6, which helps you feel good and improve overall mood. While the B-vitamin complex family is integral for psychological and physical operations, vitamin B6 helps to naturally reduce stress and boost serotonin production.

SHARE:

The post The Best Foods To Naturally Boost Your Mood appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

How many times do we smile a day? And not just the mandatory customer service smile we have to pull off during work hours, but the genuine, happy smile that can instantly improve our moods.

Smiles are free and contagious, but sometimes those aren’t enough reasons to show those pearly whites. When we transition from children to adults, we often tend to lose the habit of indulging in the little things that bring us joy. We let in the stress of modern life bring us down and we forget just how good it can feel to crack a grin. Well, not only does smiling make you feel emotionally good, it can also bring great benefits to your overall physical and mental health:

It Reduces Stress

Smiling activates the release of “feel good” messengers that work towards fighting stress. Dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are all released into your bloodstream, helping your body relax while simultaneously lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. When we smile our system recognizes that there’s an absence of threat, and it relaxes us by slowing down the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

It Can Strengthen Your Body’s Cells

Just as smiling can help rid the body of stress, so can it release tension on a cellular level. A person’s thoughts have a direct impact on cellular function. When we smile we can reduce the rigidness of our cells, and this physical relaxation can help combat cell mutations that can lead to the development or persistence of various cancers.

Longevity

According to recent research, the more you smile, the longer you’re likely to live. Since smiling can reduce the risks of high blood pressure, high stress levels, and depression, the probability of a longer life increases. Indulge in happiness, people!

It Boosts Your Immune System

The weakening of the immune system can be attributed to many things: stress, depression, or anger. The act of smiling pushes back against all of these factors, while having a direct and positive impact on the brain and the neurochemicals that work towards a better immunological balance.

It Improves Your Mood

Smiling can boost your mood when you’re feeling blue, and may be beneficial for people struggling with anxiety and depression. Recent research found that making yourself smile when you’re feeling down helps improve your mood and increases positive thoughts. Smiling also releases serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that can positively affect your mood.

Although it may seem hard to smile at times, doing so, even if just for a moment, can bring you positivity and benefits into your life.

SHARE:

The post Here’s Why You Should Smile More appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.