Ashley Ageloff
As a child it seemed I lived under a cloud, doing my best to block out the reality in front of me. I was constantly tired. I looked for validation outside of myself. I never spoke up for fear of being judged. I would hide who I really was in fear that people would not like me. Most of the time I felt lost, without a purpose. I had many limiting beliefs that affected the way I lived my life. As I got older I was drawn to understand why I felt like this, so I could heal. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.Â
When I was a child I grew up in a dysfunctional household, where addiction and confrontation were the norm. Due to these experiences, I developed anxiety and an insecure attachment style. Having a loving and stable upbringing lays the foundation for healthy emotional, cognitive, and social development. A child’s prefrontal cortex of the brain is still developing up until the age of seven, so what children experience in these first seven years is crucial to healthy development. I know now that the trauma I experienced, along with poor eating habits as a child had me show up and believe things that were not true. It created disoriented thoughts and mood dysregulation.Â
I have made many changes to the way I think through various principles that I have studied. When I work with clients we focus on a whole-body approach to healing our mental health. This encompasses exercise, eating habits, mindfulness practices, inner-child work, and more. Below are some things I recommend you can start doing to elevate your mental well-being:Â
Regular Physical Activity:Â Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Physical activity can help reduce stress, improve memory, aid sleep, and boost overall mood.Â
Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy carbs, healthy fats, and proteins can improve brain function and emotional regulation. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, grass-fed beef and walnuts have been linked to lower rates of depression. Eating liver is one of the richest sources of vitamin B12, which is crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Deficiency in B-12 is linked to depression and cognitive decline.Â
Adequate Sleep:Â Quality sleep is crucial for mental health, as it helps with cognitive function, emotional regulation, and stress management. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful environment can improve sleep quality. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve mood.
These practices help increase awareness and acceptance of the present moment, reducing negative thought patterns. Social Connections: Building and maintaining strong relationships can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Engaging in social activities and community events can foster a sense of belonging and purpose.Â
Healthy Lifestyle Choices:Â Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and substance use can prevent the exacerbation of mental health issues. Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfillment can improve mental health. When we start creating these healthy habits, it will improve the quality of our lives. It will enhance our emotional stability and leave us feeling more satisfied and happy. You will notice how your productivity will increase, relationships will improve, and stress will melt away. Start engaging in these healthy practices and you will see how your life will become more fulfilled in various ways. CONNECT WITH ASHLEY www.yourlimitlesshealth.comÂ
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