Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

I'm stepping into a conversation that’s deeply personal and universally important, mental wellness.

Recently, our community experienced a loss, and also, like many families, mine has walked through seasons of emotional and mental health struggles. While I’m not a therapist or a clinician, I always speak from a place of experience within my scope of practice, and I want to talk about the lifestyle pieces that support a strong mental foundation.

Mental health is multifaceted. Let’s be clear, there are situations that call for clinical support and medical intervention and if you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for help. At the same time, there are also everyday tools that we can reach for to support our emotional resilience and vitality.

Let’s talk about a few of them.

Start with Joyful Living (Even If It’s a Stretch)

You’ve heard me talk about seasons of fun and that’s not just fluff. Planning moments of joy and creating space for enjoyment is a critical part of supporting your ongoing mental health.

Now, if you’re in a low place, “joy” may feel out of reach. That’s okay, we apply the 1% philosophy here, just like we do in all other facets of life. Aim for something that simply makes you feel a little lighter. Think of it as climbing a ladder, one rung at a time.

Start with sunshine. A walk outside. A coffee with a friend. Reading a book in peace. Dancing to a favorite song. These small moments matter.

Optimize Your Gut, Support Your Mood

Gut health and mental health are more connected than we often realize. The gut-brain axis means that what we eat (and how we digest and absorb it) has a direct impact on our mood and cognition.

Start by:

• Reducing processed foods and ingredients you can’t easily pronounce.

• Swapping out products with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners.

• Adding in more whole foods you enjoy.

Personally and professionally, I use and recommend Zive7 as one of my go-to digestive support tools. If you need help finding something that works for you, I’m happy to discuss a variety of options.

This isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating an environment inside your body that allows you to thrive mentally and emotionally.

Create a Lifestyle That Supports You

Mental wellness isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a lifestyle. That means creating routines, environments, and habits that support your energy, your mindset, and your emotional balance.

It’s about:

• Getting outside regularly.

• Spending time with people you love.

• Taking breaks from technology.

• Saying no when you need to.

• And asking for help when it’s too much.

The goal isn’t to be happy all the time. The goal is to have the tools and support systems that help you rise when things feel heavy.

So, let me ask you: What can you do today to raise your emotional energy, even just a little? That’s where it begins.