Maintaining good mental health can be a complex, multifaceted process. Whether you’re trying to reduce depression symptoms by maintaining a positive mindset or you simply want to de-stress, finding new ways to improve your mental health can help you achieve your goals. One of the best ways to improve your mental health is through professional treatment. Treatments like psychotherapy can help you directly identify and address any symptoms you experience. In addition to professional support, you may benefit from complementary approaches, which can range from practicing coping skills to making lifestyle changes. When it comes to lifestyle changes for maintaining good mental health, changing your diet can make a big difference. Learning about the ways your diet affects your mental health can show why eating well is so important.

5 ways eating well can boost your mental health

• Better mood — Your diet can have a profound impact on your mood. Eating well can make you feel more energetic and positive throughout the day. Certain foods promote the production of natural feel-good chemicals in your brain. When you’re looking for healthy mood boosters, try to find foods that are rich in complex carbs. They can increase tryptophan in the brain, which is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. That means foods rich in complex carbs, like whole grains and starchy vegetables, can support serotonin production. One of the best ways to maintain a stable mood is maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar can have a major impact on your mental functioning. Low blood sugar often leads to symptoms including anxiety, irritability and confusion. Avoiding these symptoms can help you maintain good mental and physical health.
• Improved focus — Staying focused can be key to academic success in college. If you have trouble concentrating, eating foods that directly promote brain health may be beneficial. Look for foods with brain-friendly nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium. These nutrients can help promote the longevity and function of your brain cells. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are key for cognitive function and may improve focus and memory. To make sure you get these nutrients in your diet, make sure to eat leafy greens. Some whole grains and nuts can also improve your brain health.
• Reduced anxiety — Anxiety often develops or worsens during college. If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, mental health treatment can be essential. You can augment this treatment with dietary changes that naturally reduce stress. If you’re looking for calming foods, look for ingredients that contain magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral and vital nutrient. Foods high in magnesium can have a calming effect, lowering your blood pressure and reducing your stress. In addition to eating magnesium-rich foods, you may also benefit from taking magnesium supplements. Be sure to talk to a health care provider before starting magnesium supplements, as too much can lead to adverse effects.
• Stabilized energy levels — Are you feeling fatigued all the time? Changing your diet can have a major impact on your energy levels. When trying to get an energy boost, people often look for sugary foods or caffeinated drinks. While moderate caffeine intake can boost alertness and concentration, excessive consumption or consuming caffeine late in the day can lead to energy crashes and interfere with sleep. Instead of eating foods that cause energy crashes, look for sources of steady energy. Protein- and fiber-rich foods can be especially useful for maintaining your energy levels.
• Consistent sleep — Your diet isn’t the only aspect of your lifestyle that affects energy levels. Your sleep schedule also plays an important role. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to feel tired throughout the day. Unfortunately, mental health conditions like anxiety can make it hard to get enough rest each night. If you want to improve your sleep, changing your diet may help. According to one study, a diet rich in ultraprocessed, hypercaloric and nutrient-poor foods can affect the quality of sleep and cause restlessness. Ultraprocessed foods, in particular, often have high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats and additives that can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Dehydration can also play a role, as it can cause dry mouth and nasal passages, leading to discomfort during sleep. Regular physical activity promotes better sleep patterns by helping regulate circadian rhythms. By eating more wholesome foods, you may be able to improve the consistency and quality of your sleep.

Lightfully U can help you make lifestyle changes that improve your mental health

At Lightfully U, we’re compassionate about delivering whole-person-centered care to each client. We see you as a unique, deeply complex individual rather than a diagnosis. Our treatment approach reflects this. At each level of care, you can expect to receive comprehensive, personalized treatment. In addition to directly addressing your mental health symptoms, we can work with you to make lifestyle changes that improve your mental and physical health. We take a unique approach to treatment called Precision Care Model (PCM); this fully personalized framework integrates the most effective aspects of several evidence-based modalities. With expert treatment tailored to your needs, you can improve your mental health and maintain a state of mental wellness.

Change is possible. To learn more about how dietary changes and other strategies can improve your mental health, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.