Exercise:

If you’re anything like me….. hola my name is Camille ….. When life feels overwhelming, hitting the gym or going for a run might be the last thing on your mind. However, physical activity is a potent stress-buster. Exercise releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Steady state cardio brings serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for calm and contentment. Interval training brings the excitatory neurotransmitter dopamine, adding in feelings of sharper mental cognition and even higher sex drive. Adding in both exercise on a weekly basis that produces seratonin and dopamine is the perfect combo.

Whether it’s yoga to calm the mind, strength training to boost confidence, or a brisk walk to clear your head, finding a form of exercise you enjoy can provide much-needed relief during tough times. What’s the best form of exercise? What you like to do is the best form of exercise… anything will do.

Nutrition:

A nutrient dense diet consisting of whole foods are the building blocks for proper brain health. Ever notice how your mood and energy levels fluctuate based on what you eat? Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting mental and emotional well-being.

During challenging times, it’s tempting to reach for comfort foods high in sugar and processed ingredients. While these might provide temporary satisfaction, they can ultimately leave you feeling sluggish and depleted. Especially if they are the main staple of your diet. Your brain literally cannot function at an optimal level without this. Proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables help provide sustained energy, enhance cognitive function, and support overall resilience in the face of hard times.

Sleep:

Your body needs a reset every night. In times of stress, sleep is often the first thing to suffer. As we get older we are not as adaptable when we get a lack of sleep. It is a non-negotiable. During sleep, your body repairs tissues, detoxes waste, consolidates memories, also a non-negotiable in order to regulate emotions. Chronic sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can impair cognitive function, weaken the immune system, and put gasoline on the fire of our stress levels. At Healthy+ Happy we have good sleep hygiene protocol that we can help you with if this is something you struggle with.

Spiritual Light:

Amidst life’s storms, finding solace in spiritual practices can provide a sense of peace and purpose. Whether through prayer, meditation, mindfulness, or connecting with nature, cultivating spiritual light nourishes the soul and offers perspective beyond the immediate challenges. At the very least it teaches our brain to be quiet and remove overwhelming constant stimulation. It reminds us of our interconnectedness with something greater than ourselves, building resilience, hope, and inner strength in the face of adversity.