It can be tough to navigate mental health when just starting out, and it may seem impossible to access without health insurance.
But there are incredible resources available to the general public and, more specifically, the bar and restaurant industry. Groups like HEARD, Restaurants After Hours, I Got Your Back, Chefs with Issues, and Ben’s Friends are highly inclusive organizations started by hospitality professionals offering free peer-led support group meetings, access to discounted virtual health (telemedicine), and a wealth of additional mental health, sobriety, and addiction resources. If you are looking for general information, The National Alliance for Mental Illness is an excellent place to start. NAMI, as it is commonly referred to, has extensive materials on the signs, symptoms, and prevalence of mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Lifeline is a 24/7 accessible phone line (1-800-273-8255—English; 1-888-628-9454—Español).
At home, daily movement and mindful eating practices provide us with the regular mental health maintenance we deserve. 21 minutes of low-intensity exercise boosts our mental acuity, cognitive function, self-esteem, and the production of neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, serotonin makes us feel happy, and BDNF stimulates the production of new brain cells. There are certain nutrients that promote brain functioning as well. Proper hydration enhances our concentration. Vitamin D, produced by the body with exposure to sunlight, keeps serotonin and dopamine flowing. Probiotics and good gut health also stimulate serotonin production. Phytochemicals from plant-based diets, and Omega-3 fatty acids from plant oils and fish, protect brain cells from injury. And these are just a few examples. Our brains are the most powerful organ in our bodies, and to maximize their potential, we must ensure our mental health is at the epicenter of considerations surrounding our lifestyle management.
Stay balanced, my friends!
Amie Ward, The Healthtender
It can be tough to navigate mental health when just starting out, and it may seem impossible to access without health insurance.
But there are incredible resources available to the general public and, more specifically, the bar and restaurant industry. Groups like HEARD, Restaurants After Hours, I Got Your Back, Chefs with Issues, and Ben’s Friends are highly inclusive organizations started by hospitality professionals offering free peer-led support group meetings, access to discounted virtual health (telemedicine), and a wealth of additional mental health, sobriety, and addiction resources. If you are looking for general information, The National Alliance for Mental Illness is an excellent place to start. NAMI, as it is commonly referred to, has extensive materials on the signs, symptoms, and prevalence of mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Lifeline is a 24/7 accessible phone line (1-800-273-8255—English; 1-888-628-9454—Español).
At home, daily movement and mindful eating practices provide us with the regular mental health maintenance we deserve. 21 minutes of low-intensity exercise boosts our mental acuity, cognitive function, self-esteem, and the production of neurotransmitters like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, serotonin makes us feel happy, and BDNF stimulates the production of new brain cells. There are certain nutrients that promote brain functioning as well. Proper hydration enhances our concentration. Vitamin D, produced by the body with exposure to sunlight, keeps serotonin and dopamine flowing. Probiotics and good gut health also stimulate serotonin production. Phytochemicals from plant-based diets, and Omega-3 fatty acids from plant oils and fish, protect brain cells from injury. And these are just a few examples. Our brains are the most powerful organ in our bodies, and to maximize their potential, we must ensure our mental health is at the epicenter of considerations surrounding our lifestyle management.
Stay balanced, my friends!
Amie Ward, The Healthtender
