4 tips for improved mental well-being

In our last blog post, we explored the reasons why we're so stressed these days and how stress affects our mental health. Today, we're giving you 5 tips on how to strengthen your mental health and become more resilient to stress!

Tip 1) Nutrition

When we have a stressful day, we rarely take the time to cook ourselves a nutritious and delicious meal. Instead, we resort to quick, ready-made meals and don't give our bodies the nutrients they actually need. Stress causes your body to crave higher-calorie foods, and yes, you should definitely eat something, but sugar and fat bombs are not the answer! You'll be amazed at how many healthy foods are perfect for calming down during stressful times.

Here are our top 3:

1) Bananas

Bananas are not only healthy, but also a real happy food and the perfect snack between meals. They contain vitamin B6, which contributes to the normal function of energy metabolism and the nervous system and is a must-have for strong nerves. Bananas also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which is essential for the production of the happiness hormone serotonin.

2) Cocoa

A delicious cup of warm cocoa sounds heavenly and is also packed with happiness-boosting ingredients. Like bananas, cocoa contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is needed for the production of serotonin. Cocoa also contains flavonoids, so-called secondary plant compounds. These make you more resistant to stress and protect you from cardiovascular disease.

3) Legumes

Lentils, chickpeas, and the like are not only super healthy and rich in protein, they also contain a wealth of valuable B vitamins, which contribute to the normal function of energy metabolism and the nervous system. They also contain potassium, which regulates blood pressure, and magnesium, which reduces tiredness and fatigue.

Tip 2) Digital Detox

Sometimes it can't hurt to switch off (literally). We're constantly on our phones, scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and are simply inundated with stimuli. We feel like time is flying by and we're completely oblivious to what's going on around us. We also don't feel as productive at work because we check our phones every few minutes, constantly interrupting our workflow. A digital detox can be very useful to counteract this. Of course, you don't have to throw away your phone, laptop, and tablet, but how about taking a weekend to turn off your devices and put them in the closet. Then you can really dedicate some time to yourself on Saturday and Sunday. A walk, a bike ride, reading a book, or maybe just doing nothing and really relaxing? If that sounds like too big a step at first glance, you can always start with a small step towards a digital detox. On new smartphones, you can set a screen time that "locks" all your apps at a certain time. After work, from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. would be the perfect time to enjoy the end of the day and wake up relaxed the next morning without immediately checking emails and Instagram.

Tip 3) Radical self-care

When you hear this tip, you might be thinking: Radical self-care, who has time for that? You're not alone in this thought. We all hold back and believe it's not appropriate to take ourselves seriously. Instead, we think we'll be better people if we put others first and please everyone. But self-care is essential and should be practiced every day.

Recognize your needs and ask yourself: How am I feeling? What do I need? Am I hungry? Whatever you need right now, try to fulfill that need. Eat something if you're hungry, get up for a moment if you've been sitting at your desk for a long time, or go outside for some fresh air.

Self-care also means respecting your boundaries. We often find it difficult to say no because we believe it's rude or that we're expected to say yes to everything. Listen to your inner voice, consider whether you have the capacity to say yes to plans, and if not, then you're allowed to say no.

But your inner voice can also often unsettle you, because we are often our own worst critics. Ask yourself if you would talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself. Would you blame her just as much, or would you show her understanding and love? The person with whom we have the longest relationship in our lives is ourselves. Therefore, we should work hard on this relationship and give ourselves the love, understanding, and care we deserve.

Tip 4) Supplement

Self-care also includes listening to physical cues. How am I feeling today? Am I tired and exhausted? Am I sad and hoping the day will pass as quickly as possible?

If you notice that you are lacking something and are lacking in certain areas, it can be helpful to use supplements that promote mental well-being.

Our dietary supplement "Anti Anxiety" is the perfect companion during stressful times and mental lows, such as in winter. "Anti Anxiety" has a mood-enhancing effect with core ingredients from herbs that belong to the so-called adaptogens. These are plants whose compounds can help our body become more resistant to stress. Taking it can improve our physical well-being and mood, as well as our performance.

During difficult times, we tend to sleep less and less well. If you suffer from sleep problems due to stress, our "Sweet Sleep" can help. When your thoughts are racing and falling asleep seems impossible, "Sweet Sleep" supports you with a calming effect and also strengthens your deep sleep phases so you wake up refreshed the next morning. "Sweet Sleep" also has a mood-enhancing effect, helping you get through the night relaxed and without anxiety.