May plays host to Mental Health Awareness Week (12th - 18th May), here many charities and organisations work hard to promote mental health and offer support to those who need it.
Mind’s campaign focuses on how mental health is everything… ‘more than just a small part of our lives.’
The Mental Health Foundation’s theme is community, with a view that they want to use the week to celebrate the power and importance of community.
However you choose to get involved, we believe that talking about mental health increases awareness - which is a step in the right direction.
At Walker & Sutcliffe we take mental health and wellbeing seriously. We pride ourselves on developing a stronger work and home life balance, to reduce stress and promote wellbeing - after all work is a big part of life and we want to make it as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
Taking time for wellbeing
Our team benefit from wellbeing time - the opportunity to take a few hours every couple of weeks to do something just for them.
We also provide free access to a psychotherapist.
Tasty Tips
This month, to support the campaign and find a way to ‘talk’ about mental health, we called upon the expertise of former colleague and current client Deb Ledgard.
Deb is a qualified Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist from Balance Nutrition & Lifestyle, and she provides a personal approach to nutrition and holistic wellness.
We asked Deb if she could share her tasty tips on using what we eat to support mental health, one bite at a time!
5 Ways that Good Nutrition Can Help Support Better Mental Health:
1. Feed Your Brain With Omega-3
Oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines (or flaxseeds and walnuts if you're plant-based) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. Studies have linked omega-3s with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Tip: Aim for 2 portions of oily fish per week - or consider a good-quality supplement if you don’t like fish.
2. Keep Your Blood Sugar Balanced
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety and fatigue can often be traced back to blood sugar highs and crashes. Eating regular meals that include protein, healthy fats and fibre helps stabilise your energy and mood.
Tip: Swap out white bread and sugary snacks for whole grains, nuts, seeds and plenty of veg.
3. Boost Your B Vitamins
B vitamins - especially B6, B12, and folate - play a big role in how your nervous system functions and how your body produces mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin.
Tip: Include foods like leafy greens, legumes, eggs and whole grains. Vegans may need to supplement B12.
4. Love Your Gut
Your gut is often called your “second brain” for a reason - most of your serotonin is made there. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to better mood, less anxiety and even improved focus.
Tip: Eat fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and yoghurt and include plenty of fibre from fruit and veg to feed your gut bacteria.
5. Stay Hydrated
It sounds simple, but dehydration - even mild - can affect your concentration, mood and mental clarity.
Tip: Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day. Herbal teas count, and if plain water doesn’t tempt you, try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber or mint.
For more information about Deb Ledgard from Balance Nutrition & Lifestyle, please visit: Home - Balance Nutrition and Lifestyle or connect with @Deb_Ledgard on LinkedIn.