Mind-Body Wellness, COVID-19 & the Mental Health Crisis: 3 Ways to Promote Wellness During the Coronavirus Pandemic by Jaya Jaya Myra

The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought havoc on almost every area of life and society. For many, with this terrible virus comes an even more debilitating outcome: mental illness. A recent Forbes article addressed the large and growing number of mental illness diagnoses among those testing positive with COVID-19 – a crisis that is not likely to slow down without intervention.

So how can we as individuals and society work to combat the negative effects that COVID has on the body and mind? There are many practical and simple ways to improve mental and emotional health each day. It’s the small, simple changes done consistently that make the biggest change and longest lasting results. Here are three tips on promoting mind-body wellness during the coronavirus pandemic:

1. Cultivate a daily habit doing something you love. It’s important to take a little time to yourself each day to do something you really enjoy. Maybe it’s time with a hot cup of tea or your favorite book. Whatever it is, the mind craves and thrives on consistency. Creating a positive daily habit will improve your mental health and overall well-being.
   
2. Eat mood-boosting foods. There are a whole host of foods which can improve mood, mental health and overall well-being. Incorporate both pre and probiotics into your daily routine. This keeps the microbiome healthy, which can directly improve mental health through the gut-brain connection. Eat foods that help produce serotonin and dopamine in the body. Things like dark chocolate, leafy greens, flax, banana, chia, hemp, salmon, turkey, dairy and more.
   
3. Be mindful. Mindfulness comes in so many different forms that you can find one that works for you. Maybe this is learning to slow down your breathing, which has an automatic impact on slowing down your thoughts and reducing stress. Whatever works for you, take time each day to be mindful and present.
   

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