Five Things That Actually Improve Mental Health (And They’re Not What You Think)

I believe that mental health has very little to do with the mind...

And much, much more to do with the body and the soul.

→ If a person's gut isn't healthy, their mind won't be.

→ If a person refuses to address their past, or feels uncomfortable or unsafe to actually sit with emotions, their mind will be a mess.

→ If a person chooses to continue in a career they've long outgrown, but continue because it's safer than doing what they really want to be doing, that person's mind will not find peace.

You simply cannot address mental health issues by focusing solely on the mind.

And whilst there are certain drugs that can help a person find mental stability, they never address the root cause problem that led to the mental health issue in the first place, they only ever address the symptom, creating a dependency on the drug for mental stability, and a body that is more toxic than before.

The only way out that produces long-term results is peel back the layers.

Here's are the first five areas I would focus on if I was facing mental health issues again.

(Keep in mind, this isn't the complete solution, just valuable first steps that will genuinely make a difference.)

Also, I don't recommend you suddenly stop taking medication if you're already on it. Stay on it for the time being, just look at these areas too.

FOOD

Fix up your diet. Get rid of processed foods, remove alcohol for at least 90 days, eat a diet predominantly of wholefoods, stay hydrated with clean, filtered water.

Yes, there is so much more than could be said on this topic, but frankly, if you're not doing these simple things, nothing else you change with your diet will have that much impact.

MOVEMENT

Move your body until you sweat for at least 20-30 minutes per day.

This isn't about getting a good body, even though a good body will be a bonus end result.

This is primarily about love for yourself, a declaration that you care enough about yourself, your life and your mind that you actually choose to look after the very vehicle that you've used to move through life every single day since you were born.

(That's your physical body in case you missed it.)

You can literally do anything.

I spent 16 years as a Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, and I've seen people explore Walking, HIIT sessions, Yoga, Pilates, Tennis, Weights, Swimming and it's changed their world.

Like, there is legitimately no one way.

When I've worked with clients in the past, if they're not already moving their body, I get them exercising daily and within days they start feeling more mentally clear.

If you're not already exercising, the best way to start is find something that you enjoy doing, and do that. It doesn't have to be complex, in fact it's far more effective if it's simple and enjoyable because it won't feel like something you have to do, it will be something you want to do.

Honestly, find that and more than 90% of the battle is won.

TRUTH

Be honest about one thing.

What's one part of your life that you struggling with but refuse to speak about openly and honestly?

Stage 1: Admit this to yourself. Do this by standing in front of the mirror and saying the thing to yourself out loud.

Stage 2: Share with one person you know, love and trust.

Do not take 15 minutes to talk about it and provide a detailed story!

SAY THE ACTUAL THING.

If you can't say it within 15 seconds it's not direct enough.

This will change more than you will ever realize, because once your body (and nervous system) realizes you didn't die, you'll experience relief, and feel more at ease to deal with whatever problem you're facing.

SUNSHINE

Get out in the sun without sunscreen for 10-20 minutes every single day, or as often as you can.

(Do whatever your skin can manage, it does build tolerance over time)

Yes, yes yes, I know.

There are powers that be that want you to believe that the sun is bad for you, but the sun has been around since the beginning of time and the up rise in cancer (and most other health related issues) over the last century also just happens to coincide with the time we started putting chemicals on our skin and in our body and claimed it was healthy.

You need Vitamin D.

Not a supplement, but from the actual sun.

PASSION/PURPOSE

This one matters more than you think.

If you're currently spending 40+ hours a week on something you don't really want to be doing and you also experience an overactive mind or mental health issues, listen up.

You simply cannot spend 1/3 of your adult life doing shit that doesn't make you happy and expect to be happy.

What's missing is direct connection to something that you love to do, something you genuinely care about.

Not what you're good at.
Not what makes money.
Not what pays for your lifestyle.

But something that you could wake up every single day and feel excited to do, simply because doing it is one of your most favourite things in the world.

It doesn't have to be your main source of income, in fact when you start, it's likely not going to produce any kind of financial return straight away.

And that's kind of the point.

Do it because it feels good, because you love it.
Doing that changes brain chemistry so fucking quickly.

HOW TO IMPLEMENT

There you have it, five focus areas that will radically improve your mental health.

My suggestion is pick the one that feels most exciting and the one that feels more confronting and start with them both.

Yes, there are many other approaches, practices, tools and the like that will help, but until these five are dialed in and just part of your life, everything else will be like putting a bucket of water in the ocean and expecting the water level to change.

So, now you have the tools, it’s up to you to go and execute.

Adam xx

P.S. If you get stuck or would like some help in any one of these areas, fill out your details here and let's have a chat about how I can support you.