Can Nutrition and Fitness really affect my Mental Health?
Absolutely!
Your eating habits and level of activity can have a huge affect on your mental health, and many studies have been done to show this.
There are many different ways that nutrition and exercise can affect our moods, emotions, cognition and of course our level of confidence.
We've had the pleasure of speaking with a nutritional and fitness mastermind, Aprill Denney, to show you just some of the ways you may be affecting your mental health.
The first matter we want to address is how important eating sufficient amounts of nutrients really is for our bodies! Many of us are guilty of not eating enough, and our bodies are left without.
Aprill tells us that a typical day for her involves "lots of eating, exercise and admin work done at the computer. Lots of time is spent runing, moving and lifting things! Some days I give seminars and do fitness evaluations.
There is a huge correlation between proper nutrition and exercise with improved mental and emotional health", Denney says. "I also believe nutrition can affect hormones, which can affect your emotional health."
Most people associate eating the proper nutrients and exercising with an improved physical appearance, but Aprill says is goes far beyond that.
"Proper nutrition helps beyond just a physical appearance- It helps our internal organs, skin, hair, nails and brain functioning!
Most people have the hardest time starting [to change their lifestyle] and have to overcome a fear. In some cases, fear of failure. Sometimes it is just a lack of knowledge or knowing where and how to start that prevents them from actually doing so."
In working alongside people trying to change their lives every single day, Aprill says the most challenging part for her is seeing her clients be too hard on themselves. "[They're] not able to recognize their progress" she says, and sometimes they engage in self damaging behaviours.
We've all been there; We are all hard on ourselves, and it's difficult when we feel as though we're putting effort into something, but not seeing results. But keeping our eye on the prize and realizing not all of the benefits may be visible may be the key.
We used our last few minutes with Aprill to ask what she has to say for those of us who are trying to improve our nutrition or fitness levels to better our minds and bodies:
"For those who struggle, talk to someone that can help you get started- Arm yourself with the most dangerous weapon- Knowledge! Research and make time to prepare meals. Have handy and familiar "got to" meals. Start small and increase, and try your best to eat within 30 minutes of waking up. Also, exercise!
Take it one day at a time and be patient. Recognize the good and try to work harder at changing the bad. Find people who support and understand your journey."
Hopefully, you've found some of that support here at Find Your Light! :)
The team here at Find Your Light would like to thank Aprill Denney for her time. Should you have any other questions pertaining to nutrition and or exercise in your journey, let us know via email at whoturnedoffmylight@hotmail.com!
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Aprill Denney of Halifax, NS graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in Kinesiology, and has since worked a variety of professions in the Health & Fitness industry. She is currently a yoga instructor at Breathing Space Yoga Halifax, and also works as a Nutritional and Fitness coach.
Leave a little kindness wherever you go.
Alycia
