Start Your Day the Right Way | Mental Health Year!
Channel: Beckster Lifestyle
Date: 2023-06-02

Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month…

But every single day, we need to consider our mental health, which is why I’m posting this today.

Though I imagine that just those two sentences and the thought that this message is about ‘mental health’ is enough for some of you to stop reading immediately.

I get that.

And I realise it’s hard for us guys to talk about these things.

It can make us feel vulnerable, weaker, or less of a man even.

But I’ve known a lot of strong, alpha men who have suffered alone with mental health issues when they could have reached out to somebody.

I’ve also been able to help many men (and women) who have been brave enough to reach out to me.

Since what I do with my team goes so much deeper than simply ‘meeting women.’

This evening I sent my newsletter subscribers a list of 6 easy things they can do each day to prevent themselves slipping into downward spirals.

They’re the same things you should do if you’re already trapped in a downward spiral. 

But at that point, it can be harder to get out since you’re fighting against the mind’s well-meaning but outdated defence mechanisms that make us want to protect ourselves from dangers that no longer exist in this modern world – to go ‘back to the cave’ and stay there.
 
It’s at these moments you need to act against what you ‘feel’ like doing and notice that by forcing yourself to start with the little things, you can take back control of the situation and begin to ‘feel’ ‘better in yourself and more confident in your ability to cope (and thrive) in the world.

The character limit doesn’t allow me to send my fully detailed explanations.

But the things you should do in short are:

1 – Make Your Bed

This should be the first thing you do when you get up in the morning as starting your day by completing a small task – like making your bed – will not only instil discipline and consistency into your life but give you an immediate sense of accomplishment that will motivate you to complete the next small task, and so on, and so on.

2 – Get Some Sunlight

Sunlight exposure is the primary source of vitamin D, a nutrient essential for mental well-being. And while adequate vitamin D levels have been associated with a reduced risk of developing mental health disorders, insufficient sunlight exposure and subsequent vitamin D deficiency have been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder. 

Sunlight also triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being and helps regulate our internal body clock, promoting alertness and wakefulness during the day and supporting better sleep at night.

3 – Get Some Exercise

Exercise has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain that can reduce symptoms of depression. It can further help reduce anxiety and stress levels by increasing the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which are also known to have mood-regulating effects.

4 – Eat Some Mood Food

While poor nutrition has been associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and antioxidants have been linked to improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and overall mental well-being.

Good quality lean proteins such as poultry, fish, legumes, and tofu are also important for the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotions. And you should aim for a nutrient-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

5 – Stay Hydrated

When you are dehydrated, your body can experience physiological stress, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol, and heightening feelings of anxiety, tension, and fatigue, which can also have a disruptive effect on sleeping patterns.

On the other hand, drinking enough water can help regulate mood and promote a calmer and more positive emotional state since hydration supports the optimal functioning of neurotransmitters and hormones that influence mood, such as serotonin and dopamine.

6 – Get Enough Quality Sleep

Sleep deprivation can contribute to irritability, mood swings, and increased stress levels, and a lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

A good-quality sleep, which lasts 7-9 hours for most adults, will help regulate stress hormones and allow the body to recover from daily stressors. This promotes emotional stability, resilience, and a more positive outlook on daily life.

The video shows all these things in action – except for the sleep part as I'd just finished a Bootcamp!

To join my mailing list and find out about my events and courses, go to: https://www.thebecksterlifestyle.com 

Take care

Love,
Beckster x