Christina Gobert, Contributing Writer

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! As a Holistic Therapist, Herbalist, and Ayurveda and Meditation Teacher, I am all too aware the toll mental unwellness can take on one’s life. There are many ways we can stay in balance and ensure we have enough mental fortitude to face life’s challenges. We are all aware of how supportive going to therapy, meeting with your faith leader and talking to friends and family can be, but what if I told you, there are additional habits you can incorporate into your wellness routine that can provide balance to your state of being and are proven to reduce stress and increase resilience.

As a Holistic Therapist who works from a framework of acknowledging the multidimensional layers of the self, (see this article for more info) here are some holistic ways we can support our mental health: 

Herbs: I am a huge proponent of herbal medicine. Herbs are plants and therefore considered Mother Nature’s medicine. Herbs can nourish us on many levels, including physical and mental. In Ayurveda, adaptogenic and nervine herbs are key to managing stress, improving immunity, and restoring balance among the mind, body, and spirit. See below for adaptogens and nervines that can support you on your journey:

• Ashwagandha: aids in overall wellbeing and vigor, supports a calm mind, promotes restful sleep, may increase stamina and strength, improves digestive function and lowers inflammation in the body
• Holy Basil (aka Tulsi): supports both the immune and nervous system, can improve anxiety and depression 
• Skullcap: relaxes nervous tension while renewing and reviving the nervous system. Great for anxiety and panic attacks

Breathwork: We live in a modern world where we are often disconnected from our bodies. Starting and ending the day with taking intentional breathing breaks can have a profound effect on our nervous system, which is responsible for how we perceive the world and others. See below for a quick breathing practice you can incorporate into your day. 

I encourage you to pause what you are doing and complete the following Box Breathing practice as you read along:

Inhale through the nose for a count of four

Pause with the breath for a count of four

Exhale through the mouth for a count of four

Pause for a count of four

Repeat 4 times

Mantras: Mantras are positive affirmative statements that can express a state of mind or way of being we aspire to achieve. Repeated use of mantras can be powerful vehicles for change requiring our mind to rest in awareness around this new thought. When constructing your mantra, consider the following:

• “I am” ___________ add the trait, behavior you aspire to as if you are already embodying it, ex “I am courageous”, “I am strong”
• Repeat your mantra throughout the day for best results as where our attention goes, our energy flows
• It can be helpful to write down your mantra and put it in places you can see it in your home, put alerts on your phone to remind you of your mantra

So as you can see, supporting our mental health from a holistic perspective provides additional tools that are proven to support you on your mental health journey. 

What additional ways are you supporting your mental health? 

Are there any approaches from this article you would like to incorporate in your wellness routine?

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with your medical doctor, naturopath or herbalist. Please also consult with a licensed mental health professional for more in-depth mental health support, including the use of 988 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.

Christina G.

Holistic Therapist

Holistic Herbalist

Holistic Write

Ayurveda & Meditation Teacher

#blackcommunity #blackcommunitymagazine #ChristinaGobert #communityisujima #digitalmagazine #everydayheroes #healthandwellness #mentalhealthawareness #ujimacommunity #ujimamagazine #ujimamayissue