Coping with COVID-19: Your Mental Health Matters.

As we enter the month of May, many holidays we’d normally spend with friends and family may be relegated to, yet another, virtual gathering—or not even celebrated at all. However, there is an observance that we can’t afford to neglect this month: Mental Health Awareness. And, due to the unprecedented situation we’re in, the need is even greater now.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, roughly 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. If those numbers aren’t staggering enough, throw in the uncertainty, fear, and trauma of a global pandemic—and, you’ve got the makings of a greater mental health crisis. According to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 45 percent of Americans feel that Coronavirus has negatively impacted their mental health. And, as the developments around COVID-19 continue to evolve, it is very likely that this percentage will continue to grow.

How to care for your mental health

There are many actions you can take to support your mental and emotional well-being; however, the first step is recognizing that everyone has different coping mechanisms—some negative and positive. Don’t constantly compare yourself to others who you may think have it all together. The goal for our own mental stability is to figure out what positive mechanisms suit us best—and, we should aim to do them often. It may be something such as picking up the phone to give an elderly neighbor a call to check in;  volunteering in your community; binge-watching your favorite show; relaxing and sleeping in; or, organizing that space, closet, or cupboard that you’ve been putting off for too long. Whatever it may be, it’s important that we practice behaviors that make us authentically feel good in a safe and secure way. And, another thing, it’s ok to turn off the news and put down social media from time to time. Overconsumption of a barrage of news can take a negative toll on our psychological and emotional health and we need to take caution in that.

Your mental health matters

Coronavirus and all its implications have upended our lives while putting overwhelming pressure on our ability to be nimble and adapt to new norms. And, our normal response to this type of situation—like any other natural or human-caused disaster—is anxiety and stress. We all experience these emotions to varying degrees; however, it’s important to understand that we don’t have to deal with it alone. Taking steps to preserve your mental health is critical in getting through this in a healthy emotional state and without long-term, damaging effects. During this time, put yourself first. Take action to care for yourself—your mental health matters.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, there are resources you can reach out to for support. Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website for more information on what’s available in your community.

Article originally posted HERE

Weed over Wine: Top Three Health Trends of 2020.

I have mixed feelings about health trends. They have both the ability to rise to the level of outrageous and bizarre (urotherapy or vaginal sunbathing, anyone?) or introduce something that has the power to change our lives (prioritizing self-care and more sleep!).

As the health and wellness industry continues to grow exponentially, here’s a list of the top three trends we can expect to see in 2020. And, I’m happy to report, I can get on board with these.

Prioritizing Mental Health

After generations of being kept in the dark, the discussion around mental health has FINALLY made its way into the light. In the last decade, prioritizing a positive mental health state has become the primary focus for those on the path to well-being. In a recent NBC article, mental health advocate and reporter Nicole Spector shared her insight into the cultural shift she’s witnessed. “…I’ve seen the advancements up close and personal and can say with certainty that in 2010 I wouldn’t have dreamed of writing pieces like “How to talk about mental health issues at work” or “A mental health check-in: 14 questions to ask your child” for a national news outlet. Such topics just weren’t so, well, topical back then.”

Weed over Wine

If there’s one thing you can say about millennials, it’s that they are quite health conscious and many are opting to stay out of bars and are instead hitting the dispensary for something to take the edge off. As scientific research continues to dissolve the stigma around marijuana, the largest generation in the U.S. is choosing cannabis over alcohol as a means to improve health (no nasty hangovers) and overall quality of life. This shift will ultimately reduce alcohol-related deaths and medical issues, allowing people to function and thrive on higher levels (no pun intended).

Carnivores Go Plant-Based (or, are more willing to try at least)

Look, veganism or vegetarianism isn’t for everyone; however, it’s hard to deny the science behind the fact that consuming processed animal protein can negatively impact our health and environment. But, it looks like they’ve finally found a way to sway the unswayable and get die-hard on board with the meatless Mondays movement. With the recent boom of plant-based alternatives like Beyond Beef and Impossible Foods making their debut on historically meat-dominated fast food menus, those meat-eaters are giving plant-based a try. Who says you need meat to have fun??

Every year, as these wellness trends peak and fizzle, it’s ultimately up to us to decide what works best for our unique mental and physical needs. The rise of the wellness movement is a testament to the fact that most of us are on a journey to finding the secret to maintain, sustain and support a positive state of well-being–and if that means vaginal sunbathing for you–then go on, girl. You do you!

Article originally posted HERE

Three Ways Smiling Can CHANGE Your Life

We all have those days. You know, those days where nothing seems to go right. You hit the snooze button a few more times than you’d expect, and wake up late. Already under the stress of running late for work, your toddler (for us parents out there) decides that, on this particular morning, they will do the exact opposite of everything you ask. Please get dressed? No. Please eat breakfast? I don’t wanna. Then when you’ve finally wrangled your toddler and managed to get out the door and into your car, halfway down the road, you realize you left your cell phone at home.

Yeah…those mornings!

Well, like every human being on the planet, we experience good days and bad days. However, on those bad days, the last thing we are thinking of is flashing our pearly whites at others who cross our paths. But, studies have shown, that smiling, even when forced, can trick our brains into thinking its happy and can boost our mood. And nowadays, who couldn’t use a little more happiness in their lives? I know I can!

The global spiritual leader and author Tich Nhat Hanh said: “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” This idea has been supported by spiritual leaders around the globe and supported by science for years. Studies have shown that there are significant social and biological benefits associated with the act of smiling. So, when you find yourself on the “moody train,” here are three reasons to crack that smile and change emotional course. 

1. A Happy Brain Relieves Pain: Even if you are genuinely in a bad mood, the simple act of smiling releases the “feel-good” neurotransmitters in your brain: dopamine, and endorphins. The release of these “happy” chemicals contribute to relaxation, lowered heart rate, and pain relief.

2. Smiling Signifies Self Confidence: Studies show that smiling directly affects how others treat and perceive you. When a person is smiling, they immediately come across as approachable, confident, and easy going. Even if you lack these personal feelings within, smiling can help convince you, and those around you, otherwise.

3. Smiling Helps You Stay Healthy: Studies have proven that large amounts of stress and manifested negative thought patterns create harmful chemical reactions in the body and that the act of smiling and laughing can boost the immune system. The act of laughing increases the body’s oxygen levels, therefore stimulating the heart and lungs, and causes the brain to release neuropeptides into the system which aid in the alleviation of potential illness

So, the next time you’re feeling down, take time out to binge on funny Youtube videos and screwball comedies, without guilt. It’s literally good for your health! 

Chef Jose Andres Kicks Off LA Foodbowl

Waste is Wrong: that was Chef Jose Andres main message at the iconic Wiltern Theatre Monday night, in a spectacular event which kicked off the LA Times  Food Bowl, 31 days of great food, fascinating chef dialogues and more events than we can count.  

In the United States, it is estimated that between 30-40% of the food supply ends up in landfills instead of on dinner tables. In Los Angeles alone, more than half a million households live 300 percent below poverty level and often have to choose between putting food on their table or paying the rent. And according to renowned chef and philanthropist Chef Jose Andres, that is absolutely unacceptable.

Chef Andres along with L.A. Kitchen founder Robert Egger, Los Angeles restaurant critic Jonathan Gold and other prominent names in the Los Angeles food scene, took to the stage to raise awareness about the importance of food security and the Power of Food. Other guests included New Girl actress and The Farm Project co-founder Zooey Deschanel and Border Grill co-founder Susan Feniger.

The event featured a panel discussion on the topics of food sustainability and accessibility and a sous chef cook-off, where the challenge was to create a dish of limited ingredients that can be distributed to thousands of people during a post-disaster relief effort.

This event launched the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl, a month-long food extravaganza, in partnerships with LA’s best bars, cafes, hotels, markets, restaurants and top chefs, to raise awareness and funds to combat food waste, hunger, food insecurity and promote sustainability.

Food at the event was prepared and served by L.A. Food Kitchen students and Los Angeles restaurant Todo Verde and Everytable.

The Los Angeles Times Food Bowl runs the entire month of May at various locations around Los Angeles. To check out the schedule of events visit www.lafoodbowl.com/.

Article originally posted HERE