Prioritizing Mental Health Through Lifestyle Choices and Community Action

Stress is inevitable in modern life, affecting people of all ages, occupations, and backgrounds. Especially as students, it can be common to feel like stress is a permanent feeling that will never diminish. Although it may be unavoidable to escape stressful situations, several lifestyle choices can increase stress and negatively affect physical and mental health. In 2019, the Centre for Mental Health Research associated with the University of Cambridge studied several lifestyle factors recognized as causes of medical and psychiatric diseases (Lifestyle Factors and Mental Health). Lifestyle diseases, which are associated with how someone lives their life, are on the rise, so it is critical to analyze the choices we make in our lives. In this post, I will highlight some simple lifestyle swaps that can help to decrease stress on the body.

In the research paper mentioned above, researchers Zaman, Hankir, and Jemni studied the effect of positively modifying lifestyle factors on preventing several psychiatric and medical conditions. They specifically emphasized food, diet, and exercise when examining lifestyle choices. To start, they noted that the benefits of exercise go far beyond the well-known medical benefits, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. I found it very interesting that they recognized the social benefits that exercise can have on our mental health. Simply working out at a gym with other people or participating in a group sport does wonders for our mental health and can even reduce the risk of developing certain psychiatric conditions (Lifestyle Factors and Mental Health). The researchers also mention how diet can help promote positive physical and mental health. For example, they recommend consuming fiber-rich foods, optimizing protein, and minimizing added sugar.

As a community, looking at the habits that optimize physical and mental health and determining ways to implement them in our daily routines is critical. The article highlighted the importance of eating a healthy diet rich in fiber and proteins. It is so important that we focus our attention on making nutritious foods more accessible to everyone. Recently, Bruin Equity in Health volunteered at the Westside Food Bank. This organization works to fight food insecurity in the Los Angeles area. Their mission is to provide access to nutritious foods and advocate for a strong food assistance network in the community. Some of our members could volunteer by handing out leftover food boxes. The Westside Food Bank provides several volunteer opportunities related to fighting food insecurity, which can indeed contribute to improved mental and physical health for so many people. Healthy eating is something that affects not only our physical health but also our mental health.

Additionally, I think it would be a good idea to encourage community events focusing on healthy behaviors and stress-reducing techniques. To start, it is critical to promote education and awareness. Habits form early on in life, so I think it is essential to provide education to

young children about their mental and physical health. We can host workshops at local elementary schools to provide children with resources and ideas to promote a healthy lifestyle. Learning about these habits at a young age can contribute to forming good habits that will carry on throughout one’s life. On top of that, it is critical to establish safe and inclusive environments where individuals feel comfortable and accepted. Creating these spaces allows people to feel less alone, lowering stress levels. We must work together to create a supportive culture where people feel like they have people to rely on.

In today’s fast-paced world, where countless stressors, including work, relationships, and school, demand our attention, prioritizing our mental health is more critical than ever. Taking small, consistent steps to integrate healthier meals and foster supportive relationships can profoundly impact our overall well-being. Whether cooking a balanced meal at home, sharing a meal with friends, or participating in community activities, these practices remind us of caring for ourselves and each other. By consciously incorporating these techniques into our daily routines, we empower ourselves to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and find moments of peace amidst the chaos.

Works Cited:

Psychiatria Danubina. "Impact of Lifestyle on Stress and Mental Health." 2019,

www.psychiatria-danubina.com/UserDocsImages/pdf/dnb_vol31_noSuppl%203/dnb_vol

31_noSuppl%203_217.pdf.

Westside Food Bank. "About Westside Food Bank." Westside Food Bank,

www.wsfb.org/about-us/about-westside-food-bank/. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.