Food for Mood Monday.... Seriously serotonin!

So, last week I talked a bit about vitamin B and how it can improve your mood.  This week I wanted to take a closer look at serotonin and what foods can not only boost your serotonin levels, but stimulate the ongoing production of it, which is what we are really chasing in the fight against low moods and depression....

My rollercoaster ride...

After so many posts about mental health wellness and gratitude, I thought I would go a little personal today. 

I guess over the past few weeks, I didn't feel like I could go too personal on here as I was feeling some head spinny-close to the edge, might implode any minute kinda feelings that I couldn't really explain at the time.

Food & Mood Monday... how can this B?

The whole point of this series is to talk about how food affects our mood and what positive things we can do to aid this process.  Well, I started out by talking about things you should NOT ingest, but today I want to focus on good things you should eat to help you out - and there is so much I wasn't really sure where to start that wasn't going to overwhelm both you and me!

After searching for info on food mood lifters, I found this list:

Thankful Thursday - slowing down...

I NEED to slow down!  I also know that the universe has been sending me little covert messages that it is time to take a break, most of which I have ignored, but the time has come for me to give in because I feel like crap.

My head is swimming with information, even though I am writing things down and making lists.  I am tired and forgetful and suffering bad headaches come night time.  Oh, and I am having extreme neck, back and shoulder pain either because of how I slept one night or stress or a combination of both!

My sister-in-law started giving me a massage on Sunday and in her words my shoulders were like rocks!

For the past few weeks, I have either met someone new, had a conversation with someone or found myself in a situation that made me realise I was not heading in the right direction.  Thank you dear Universe for putting these people and situations in my path to help me see where I was really heading - one great big, devasting fall...:(

On Tuesday I had the BEST massage I have had in a long time - btw, every massage I have is the best massage I have had in a long time because it is usually a long time between said massages!

This helped me relax a bit, which is a good start.  I have also gotten some good sleep since the massage because my neck and shoulders aren't in as much pain as they have been the last few weeks!

The Universe, God, Fate, Destiny - whatever you want to call it according to your own personal belief system, is wonderful at sending us signs - we just need to be open to receiving them.  Thankfully I finally opened my eye...

Your in eternal gratitude,

Mummy in Disguise
                                xoxo

Mental Wellnes Tip #2

Get Plenty of Sleep!

Besides exercising (avoiding this one for several reasons!) and eating well, it ’s important to get a good nights sleep, preferably eight hours of un-interrupted sleep.  Sleep is a universal prerequisite to health and happiness. If you are experiencing problems with sleeping, you should seek help.  There are all kinds of simple strategies to help you sleep better: 

© Suti | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

 

• Make the room darker
• Have a sleep cue or sleep routine
  
• Cut back on caffiene, especially in the afternoon & evening
• Limit Alcohol (don't use it to put you to sleep!)
• Stop trying - relax and try not to  force it
• Reduce your daytime stress and anxiety

Some of these sound easier said than done when in the middle of a major depressive episode, but if you are aware enough of what is happening, then you should be able to do something about it. I wish I could say I was good at this tip, but I am not.  I avoid sleep when I actually need it most.  Which in turn usually sets me up for a fall.  There are times when I can catch myself before it gets bad, but there are times when it is too late....  This is something I am always working on...

Eternally sleepy,

Mummy In Disguise

                                 xoxo

Food for Mood Monday - but late on Tuesday, wait no!! Wednesday!

Aspartame, the evil artificial?

So sorry this is late my friends, I have had more than a little going on this week, well since Friday really and to top it off I think I am coming down with something but I am too scared to stop cos then I think I really WILL get sick!! 

Now I hope I wasn't too preachy about sugar last week, but I can't resist following Sugar up with artificial sweeteners, in particular Aspartame.

There has been A LOT of controversy surrounding Asapartame since the1980's.  As with all foods,

Thankful Thursday...the people around us!

Hello My friends, it's another Thankful Thursday!

I have always been of the opinion that you should surround yourself with people who will help you grow and be the best version of you.  Of course, not everyone in your life can meet this