Tennee | May 4, 2020

In researching effects of this pandemic on emotional health, information regarding the effects of extreme stress and its effects on human mental health is beginning to surface. Domestic and spousal abuse rates are skyrocketing. Children are also at higher risk of abuse.

My personal experience, feedback from clients, and research all indicate that learning how to care for ourselves is vital for mental health in these uncertain times. When you practice self care it becomes easier to extend the care out to your family, friends and community.

As I make these shifts in my own life, I’m also asking clients to create a daily set of “Self- Care Non-Negotiables”. I love the word ‘non-negotiable’ because it implies that you are not willing to give it up. It’s a statement and a pledge of support to your own wellbeing.

There is an interesting difference between those able to put in place self care and those that don’t. Clients that are able to put in place a self care program are better able to handle stress than those who don’t. Those who feel they don’t have time for self-care, or who prioritize stressful activities like time on social media or watching the news over nature walks or 30 minutes of yoga continue to complain of fatigue, anxiety and depression.

Nurturing yourself with self-care on a regular basis creates a new neural network that reinforces the belief that you are worthy. Feed your mind in this way and your physical health will respond in kind.

Cortisol production will simultaneously decrease, stimulating your parasympathetic or “rest and digest” system to kick in. This will improve digestion, sleep and help stabilize your moods.

Many of us spend a lot of time running on auto-pilot. This is due in part to neural pathways that operate along the path of least resistance. So in order to make changes to established pathways that are not serving you, you need to build healthier neural pathways.

Similar to building up your muscles at the gym, this takes time and training. While change requires diligence and commitment, it is important to remember that we are exquisitely adaptable machines. We have 100 billion neurons which make a total of 100 trillion neural connections. That opens up a lot of opportunities to train our brains for success.

Studies show that we can train our brains by performing different activities thereby creating new neural pathways. These pathways get stronger with repetition until the behavior becomes the new normal. It takes approximately 10,000 repetitions to master a skill and develop the associated neural pathway. Brain training through apps such as lumosity are proof that this can be done. You simply have to commit to making change.

With a non-negotiable self care routine, you build new pathways in your brain the way a hiking trail is worn each time it is traveled upon.

Every time you focus on something that strengthens a beneficial pathway you will be rewarded with feel good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine which will help boost your moods.

• Spend at least one hour outside to exercise with or without kids. Time spent outside is essential for mental health (Walking, hiking, or playing sports outside seems to be how we spend our time outside).

• One hour before bed I either do an infrared sauna and read or take a bath. Both activities are extremely nourishing and revitalizing.
• Take supplements that support hormones and immune system. 

For those who believe you don’t have enough time to institute a self-care routine, you can see-this is not a demanding and time consuming list. It is simply an adjustment of my typical day routine which proves extremely helpful for me in coping with my day today life during the stress of a pandemic. When I cut myself care routine short  I feel “off” and am not my best self.

This is essential for well being and commitment.

Pick activities that spark enjoyment. When you are engaged in a feel good activity, focus on the feelings of achieving your goals and intentions. Yoga and meditation both boost serotonin which is a “feel good” neurotransmitter and reduce cortisol, which is our primary stress hormone. Meditation is a discipline that teaches your mind to focus on what you want while allowing your nervous system to move into homeostasis.

Create a morning ritual that involves passionately declaring your goals for the day.

Incantations send the power of your subconscious mind on a mission to find solutions to fulfill your goals.

World renown author and speaker Tony Robbins is the master of passionate affirmations and incantations and I use some of his incantations on walks.

One of my favorites is:

“In every day and in every way, my body is growing stronger and stronger”.

There is power in expressing something with emotion and repetition as your body begins to learn it subconsciously, so choose your thoughts wisely! It may be a good time to examine the thoughts you have been telling yourself and ask yourself if they are truly making your life better? If not, choose differently.

Nourishing your body with specific nutrients is essential if dealing with anxiety, depression and stress. There are many nutrients that aid in the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters which create positive mental states. You can find these nutrients in many foods. A great resource for eating for neurotransmitter health can be found in the book by Ali Miller called The Anti anxiety diet book. I came across her work at Paleo FX last year and she is a wealth of information when it comes to supporting your neurotransmitters.

B Vitamins

B9 (Folate)

Helps the body create new cells and support serotonin regulation. Serotonin help the brain manage many functions, from determining mood to regulating social behavior.

Folate deficiencies can cause fatigue, and lower levels of serotonin. Folate is found in dark leafy greens, beans and lentils. 

/Source: NCBI

B6

Helps the production of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) and regulates brain function. B6 supplementation is also an effective method for treating PMS depression. Deficiencies in B6 can cause long term effects such as a weakened immune system, confusion and depression. Food sources include fish, poultry and eggs.

/Source: NCBI

B12

Aids in the creation of red blood cells and nerves. It is an effective nutrient for treating premenstrual depression. Low levels of B12 can cause short term fatigue, slow reasoning and paranoia and are associated with depression. Food sources include organ meats, salmon and tuna. It’s important to note that you need proper HCL to absorb B12 so make sure your gut is in good shape if you want to get B12 from your food.

/Source: Harvard Health Publishing

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. Studies show low levels are associated with depressive symptoms. Vitamin D deficiencies may be the result of illness, low exposure to full spectrum sunlight, and inadequate intake of vitamin D rich foods.

Taking in Vitamin D in supplement form may be especially important during winter when exposure to sunlight is limited.

/Source: NCBI

During these unprecedented times, it is essential to fill your cup with self care so that you can share your light with others. We need to support one another to get through this challenging time so start with yourself and it will move out to your family, friends, and community.

“Shine so brightly that you illuminate a pathway

for others to see their way out of the darkness.”

Dr Stacy A Maxwell-Krockenberger

To learn more about how to create your own customized non-negotiable self care routine, contact me. I am offering zoom consults to guide those interested in establishing a daily routine that will allow you to ground and find your center during these challenging times.