Faith, Exercise, and Nutrition: Keys to Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
Mental health has become a global crisis, affecting millions of people of all ages. As someone who has experienced childhood and adult trauma, I’ve come to understand how faith, exercise, and nutrition can serve as powerful tools in controlling and improving mental health. These three pillars have not only helped me in my healing journey but have also transformed the lives of my clients and loved ones, including my own mother.
A Personal Journey of Healing
When my mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and exhibited bipolar tendencies, I saw firsthand how traditional treatments, particularly medications, had devastating effects. The medications intended to help her instead exacerbated her struggles, leaving her feeling suicidal. That didn’t make sense to me, so I sought alternative ways to support her.
I started by introducing a structured exercise routine tailored to her limited mobility. Tai Chi and gentle stretching became regular practices to help her regain strength and balance. Additionally, I incorporated protein into her meals, focusing on nutrient-dense foods that supported brain health and stabilized her mood. These changes made a significant difference, highlighting how much our mental health depends on our physical well-being.
The Connection Between Faith, Exercise, and Nutrition
Faith
Faith offers hope and grounding during life’s most challenging times. Morning mindfulness and prayer are part of my daily routine to set a positive tone for the day. Studies show that prayer and spiritual practices can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress by fostering a sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves (Koenig, 2012).
Exercise
Regular physical activity isn’t just for the body—it’s essential for the mind. Exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that combat stress and improve mood. Research has shown that even moderate exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
For my mom, incorporating movement through Tai Chi and stretching was life-changing. These activities helped her stay mobile while also calming her mind. For those just starting out, gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming can be excellent options.
Nutrition
What we eat profoundly affects our mental health. The brain relies on proper nutrients to function optimally, and deficiencies in certain vitamins or macronutrients can contribute to mood disorders. Protein, for instance, plays a vital role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate mood.
In my practice, I recommend the 1st Phorm app as a tool to track nutrition, exercise, and progress. I also “prescribe” their high-quality supplements to my clients, including protein powders, vitamins, and omega-3s, to ensure their bodies and minds are fueled for success. These products provide the consistency and quality I trust to support overall health.
Tools for Getting Started
Set Intentions with Faith: Start your day with prayer, gratitude, or meditation. This practice anchors you in positivity and sets a strong foundation for the day ahead.
Move Your Body: Begin with manageable goals, such as 15 minutes of walking daily. Gradually increase your activity as your body adapts.
Track Your Nutrition: Use tools like the 1st Phorm app to monitor your food intake, ensuring you meet your body’s needs.
Incorporate Quality Supplements: Add supplements like protein powder, multivitamins, and omega-3s to support mental and physical health.
Join a Supportive Community: Connect with others who share similar goals and challenges. Joining the Step Into Your Greatness Community can provide you with encouragement, accountability, and resources to stay on track.
Why This Matters
Mental health isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about creating a lifestyle that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. As adults, we often neglect self-care in favor of taking care of others. But as I often remind my clients, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
Join the Movement
If you’re ready to take control of your mental health and overall well-being, join the Step Into Your Greatness Community. Engage in discussions, access valuable resources, and connect with others on the same journey. Together, we can break the cycle of poor mental health and live the lives we were created for.
References:
Koenig, H. G. (2012). Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications. International Scholarly Research Notices.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Exercise and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://mayoclinic.org.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). The Link Between Nutrition and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://cdc.gov.
Start your journey today—your mental and physical health are worth it!
