5 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.

According to the American psychological Association, mental health is “a state of mind characterized by emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment and relative freedom from anxiety and displaying symptoms”. The association also notes that the ability to deal with life’s demands and maintain productive relationships ties into mental health. These are 5 simple ways to improve on your mental health.

1. STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Your physical health has an impact on your emotional health as an individual. To stay physically active, you need to eat well, sleep well, exercise, eat enough fruits and vegetables and avoid the intake of excessive alcohol and drugs. Try as much as possible to stick to these physical activities.

2. PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Your health and wellness should be your top priority. This includes getting a little “me time” to rest and recharge. This helps to manage low mood, stress and anxiety.

3. PRACTICE FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness does so much good to our mental health. People who forgive easily have a better and more stable mental health. Forgiveness takes away burdens and makes you more satisfied with your life.

4. MANAGE STRESS

Every individual gets stressed at a point or stage in life. Taking part in an activity you enjoy can help to ease stress and improve your mental health.

5. ACCEPT WHO YOU ARE.

We are all different, so rather than trying to be like someone else, be proud of who you are. Focusing on your own strengths and abilities and also learning new skills can help boost or improve your mental health.

Image credit: freepik.com

Accra,Ghana.

5 IMMUNE BOOSTING FOOD NUTRIENTS.

The immune system system consists of cells, tissues and organs that help the body to fight infections and other diseases. The immune system protects the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. There are several food nutrients that act as an antioxidant to protect healthy cells. Epidemiological Studies find that, those who are poorly nourished are at greater risk of bacterial and viral infections. In this article, I’ll talk about 5 food nutrients that boost the immune system. Feeding yourself with food that contain these nutrients will help keep the immune system strong. Now more than ever, it’s important for your immune system to stay in tip-top shape during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as new strains like the Delta variant emerge.These are five (5) food nutrients that will help to boost your immune system.

1. VITAMIN A

Vitamin A assists with the health of our intestines and respiratory system. Foods containing vitamin A include; carrots, sweet potato, red bell peppers,spinach and broccoli.

2. VITAMIN E

Vitamin E protects the heart, supports immune function,prevents inflammation and promotes eye health. Some vitamin E enriched foods are; vegetable oils,nuts,seeds and avocado.

3. VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fight free radicals in the body. It decreases inflammation and boosts immunity. Vitamin C fights strongly against infections. Strawberries, citrus fruits ( orange,lemon), pepper, tomato and black currants are all rich in vitamin C.

4. ZINC

Zinc is necessary for immune cell function and signaling. Zinc deficiency can lead to weakened immune response. Some foods that contain zinc are; beans, seeds, nuts, meat and seafood.

5. PROTEIN

Protein contains amino acids that are essential for cell function. These cells protect the body against pathogens. Eggs,beans,meat,poultry,nuts and cheese are some foods which are rich in protein.

These nutrients listed above are effective for immune boosting, but should be eaten in moderation. Remember, “ too much of a good thing can also be bad”.

Image credit:istockphoto.com/a_namenko.

Acccra, Ghana.

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5 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.