Mental Health Awareness : A Woman's Journey Through Life Stages




   
As women, our mental health is like a rollercoaster ride, complete with twists, turns, and the occasional loop-de-loop. Our mental health journey is often compared to a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get! From the hormonal whirlwind of puberty, to the monthly PMS surprise, to the nine-month emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, and the hot flashes of menopause, it's like we're starring in our very own hormonal soap opera! We've got quite the hormonal itinerary. But fret not, dear readers, because amidst the drama, we've got some vitamin-rich humor to sprinkle on our mental health salad! However, by understanding the connection between our mental health and hormonal changes, and by embracing natural ways, we can empower ourselves to navigate these stages with resilience and vitality. (Would you expect anything else from being just a girl?)

1 Navigating Hormonal Journey: Understanding the Impact of PMS, Pregnancy, and Menopause

PMS, aka premenstrual syndrome, is like the hormonal version of a surprise party - but instead of confetti, you get mood swings, irritability, and anxiety!

Picture this: one moment you're laughing at a funny video, and the next, you're crying because your boyfriend sends his grandparents a picture of the donuts they used to eat together. Ah, the wonders of hormonal fluctuations!😂
 No ,but literally …


Mood swings are like the weather forecast during PMS - unpredictable and prone to sudden changes. Blame it on the hormonal rollercoaster that leaves us feeling like emotional acrobats.

And oh, the irritability! It's like having a superpower where every little annoyance becomes a villain in your daily life. Watch out, world, we've got PMS-powered irritation! (Just happened with my boyfriend… In fairness he knows I have it and still decided to act a fool.)




Then there's anxiety, the unwelcome guest crashing the PMS party. Suddenly, everyday worries feel like impending catastrophes. Thanks, hormones, for turning our minds into a circus of "what ifs"! And if you are a Puerto Rican girl who comes from a family of theatrics like me Welp you are in for quite a show. LMAO


But fear not, brave souls! While PMS may feel like a hormonal tornado, there are ways to weather the storm. 

From stress-busting activities to mood-boosting foods, we've got the tools to tame those hormonal beasts and emerge victorious, one PMS episode at a time!

Stress-Busting Activities:
Mindfulness Meditation: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation. Focus on your breath and observe your thoughts without judgment. This can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Yoga: Engage in yoga practices that combine movement, breath, and mindfulness. Yoga helps release tension from the body and calms the mind, making it an effective stress reliever.
Nature Walks: Spend time outdoors in nature. Whether it's a leisurely stroll in the park or a hike in the mountains, being in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Journaling can help you process emotions, gain clarity, and reduce stress.
Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to activate the body's relaxation response. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times.
Mood-Boosting Foods☺:
Dark Chocolate: Indulge in a square or two of dark chocolate, which contains compounds that can help boost mood and reduce stress. (I am currently adjusting to its taste. No debate here milk chocolate is superior even if less healthy for you.
Fatty Fish: Incorporate fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines into your diet. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved mood and reduced risk of depression. I only like salmon, but whatever can help you!
Berries: Enjoy a variety of berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support brain health and may enhance mood. Ba-Dum-Tss under the mood boosting category, Duhh Gabriela!
Leafy Greens: Load up on leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. These vegetables are high in folate, a B vitamin that plays a role in mood regulation.
Nuts and Seeds: Snack on nuts (pause, I mean hayyy LOL) and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. They're rich in magnesium, which has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Mood-Boosting Herbs☺:
St. John's Wort: This herbal remedy has been used for centuries to treat depression and improve mood. However, it can interact with certain medications, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using it. (Shout out to my best friend Britney for putting me on )
Saffron: Saffron is a spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower and has been shown to have antidepressant properties. (It just sounds so boujie)
Lavender: Lavender is known for its calming effects and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. ( Maybe this is why I like lavender lattes. Hopefully my cousin Alisa and boyfriend can understand its goodness finally LOL)
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress and promotes overall well-being.But It’s also good for other things ladies ;)
Chamomile: Chamomile tea is a soothing herbal remedy that can help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
Incorporating these stress-busting activities and mood-boosting foods and herbs into your routine can help support your mental health and well-being naturally.
My saint of a mom put me on to this a while ago when I was struggling with anxiety and sleeping!

Remember, ladies, we're all in this hormonal rodeo together. So, let's embrace the chaos, laugh in the face of mood swings, and show PMS who's boss!

Pregnancy and Postpartum: Explore the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies pregnancy and the postpartum period, including the baby blues and postpartum depression. (I wish I knew about this sooner so I can show up for my loved ones better)
Highlight the importance of seeking support and addressing mental health concerns during this transformative time. (Speak to people you love and seek support please!!) With all its ups and downs, sleepless nights, and diaper blowouts. It's messy, chaotic, and utterly beautiful—a rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences that leaves you breathless, exhausted, and profoundly grateful for the precious gift of motherhood.
And as you navigate the highs and lows of postpartum life, remember to cherish every moment, lean on your village, and embrace the messy, imperfect, wonderfully chaotic journey of raising tiny humans. After all, it's in the messiness of motherhood that the true magic lies.
Menopause: Shed light on the psychological effects of menopause, such as mood disturbances and sleep disturbances, caused by hormonal fluctuations. Emphasize that menopause is a natural phase of life and provide reassurance that there are ways to alleviate symptoms and support mental well-being.


2 Embracing Natural Solutions: Vitamins and Lifestyle Practices for Mental Wellness💓
Essential Nutrients: Highlight vitamins and minerals that play a crucial role in supporting mental health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins. Discuss how these nutrients contribute to neurotransmitter function and mood regulation.
Herbal Remedies: Introduce natural herbs and supplements known for their mood-balancing properties, such as St. John's Wort, passionflower, and ashwagandha. Emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before incorporating herbal remedies into one's routine.
Holistic Practices: Explore holistic approaches to mental wellness, including mindfulness meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, and acupuncture. These practices can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance emotional resilience.

3 Empowerment Through Self-Care: Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-Being💪
Self-Care Rituals: Encourage women to prioritize self-care as an essential aspect of maintaining mental health. Provide practical tips for incorporating self-care into daily routines, such as practicing gratitude, setting boundaries, engaging in creative activities, and spending time in nature.
When you look your best in your eyes or up to your standards ,You feel the best. 
Pour into your cup!!!! 
Seeking Support: Stress the importance of seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals during challenging times. Normalize the act of reaching out for help and emphasize that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
(Just lightly throwing this in again because it is so important)

As women, our mental health journey is intertwined with the ebb and flow of life's transitions. By understanding the connection between hormonal changes and emotional well-being and embracing natural strategies for mental wellness, we can nurture our mental health throughout every stage of life. Let us prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and empower ourselves to thrive emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We cannot continue to show up for other and not show up for ourselves!!  
MAKE YOU A PRIORITY & LOVE ON YOURSELF EXTRAA.💘
You can not be an example for others if you are not taking care of you. 
Trust me I understand we are literally just girls, but we are also Super Women who are built for all of these changes.








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