Hey there, Jen here, and this is a happy bit. I want to talk today about mental illness. We all have

moments when we spiral into depression or anxiety. Sometimes they don't last very long and we can

pull ourselves out. Sometimes we need to get therapy or medication to pull out of those spirals.

However, I want to talk more generally for all of us, whether we've

struggled with a mental illness in the past or are currently, or maybe a family member or a

friend is struggling. We can all have a more resilient approach to mental health. So first we need to

talk about general wellness. There are five main

areas I want to bring up that if we address and keep kind of quote unquote under control,

we're going to feel generally better all the way around. These are exercise, getting plenty of water,

eating clean foods, getting enough sleep, and getting some sunshine every day.

Now, exercise.

It is one of the most powerful ways to feel good because our body releases endorphins, the feel good chemicals.

And exercise has been shown by science to be one of the best approaches for dealing

with depression or anxiety or really almost any other mental illness issue. So exercising

regularly, maybe three times a week, maybe five days a week, getting your heart rate up.

Of course, having clean filtered water is very important. Clean foods that are less processed will

help our bodies function optimally. And of course, rest. Getting enough sleep is magical. I know every time

I stay up too late, my mental health seems to be a little worse the next day. I'm a little more grumpy.

I'm a little more snappy with the kids. When I get enough sleep, I feel good. And that's probably because while

we're sleeping, our bodies metabolize cortisol, among many other things. So get enough sleep.

Get your eight hours or more. And you'll feel so much better. Then of course, daily sunshine,

the time of day to soak up that

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