The Sol Journal

The spotlight on Mental Wellness is growing, with an increasing awareness of the diverse factors that shape it. According to Clinical Nutritionist, Danielle Svensson, wellbeing can be viewed as a spectrum—a fluid, ever-shifting state encompassing great days, average days, and challenging days within the human experience.

Amid the dynamic external landscape, daily cultivation of mental wellness serves as an anchor, providing stability not only during turbulence but also in moments of stillness. Acknowledging the intricate connection between mind and body, supporting the internal balance system requires consistent positive actions. As stress, discomfort, or uncertainty arise, the body automatically strives to maintain homeostasis, involving adaptations in hormones, neurochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and other physiological processes.

Recognising that there's no singular cause for mood imbalances or mental illness, we must emphasise the multifaceted nature of influences—from daily activities to experiences, dietary choices, engagements, and avoidance. To foster mental wellness, consciously asking three powerful questions each day can set in motion a flow of positive, healthy behaviours.

What can I let go of?

What can I continue doing?

What can I begin doing?

This practice creates room for a deeper connection with our bodies and minds, enabling us to respond with clarity rather than react to circumstances. As you consistently pose these questions, you'll realise that intuitively, you already hold the answers.

Consider this list of activities you may already engage in or ones you'd like to start. Take it slow, be gentle with yourself, and understand that it's the incremental daily changes that yield the most significant impact.

Tips for nurturing mental wellness and alleviating current stress:

• Acknowledge current thoughts and feelings 
• Permitting yourself to take time for yourself – without needing the validation of others
• Grounding (earthing)
• Going on long walks outdoors
• Reconnecting with nature (nature bathing)
• Call a friend or loved one
• Breathwork and sound healing
• Warm baths (add some magnesium salts/flakes)
• Dancing/singing
• Minimising/avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• Minimising/avoiding refined sugar
• Finding time to cook a healthy meal for yourself
• Prioritise sleep
• Exercise – low intensity particularly with heightened stress
• Allow routine to change
• Keep a gratitude journal

Nurturing mental wellness begins with incorporating small, daily changes and prioritising our overall well-being. Kickstarting this journey involves being kind to yourself and establishing gentle, manageable steps, like dedicating 5 minutes each morning to jot down a gratitude list. Through consistent effort, you'll gradually observe positive shifts in your mental well-being.