Mental health at work. It’s something Millennials and Gen Z have made us think twice about as they take the workforce by storm. While employers can implement different stress management programs that prioritize mental health, there are numerous ways employees can promote their own mental health at work.
One of the best ways? Maintaining a healthy diet.
Fueling our body with the proper nutrients it needs is essential for mental health. Incorporating a few diet and nutrition tips into your daily routine can make all the difference in your mental state on the job.
But how does your diet relate to mental health? Read on to learn how what we eat impacts how we look and feel no matter where our workday takes us.
How Your Diet Impacts Mental Health
Eating well should be included in anyone’s wellness plan. Our brain and stomach are so intertwined that most refer to the stomach as our second brain. This relationship is the foundation of a sound mind-body connection because billions of bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tract. When we eat healthy food, good bacteria grow, which positively affects neurotransmitter production. The brain receives these positive signals and can brighten our mood as a result.
The catch? This process is flipped when we eat unhealthy foods: poor neurotransmitter production can contribute to a poor mental state. Knowing how food impacts our mood helps us navigate diet and nutrition best practices – ultimately empowering our mental health at work.
Diet & Nutrition Tips That Can Boost Your Mental Health At Work
When we eat healthy, we feel healthy. What you choose to snack on or prepare outside of work (and during) contributes to your overall mental health. Keep the following diet and nutrition tips in mind as you grocery shop for those desk snacks.
Color Your Plate With Fruits & Veggies
Brightening up your plate with portioned fruits and veggies is a fun way to practice better nutrition. Take advantage of your break room fridge or invest in a small office fridge to keep healthier snack options like grapes, mini sweet peppers, or blueberries nearby!
Incorporate Omega-3 Fats Into Your Diet
Depression and other mental disorders have been tied to low omega-3 fat intake. You can easily add omega-3 fatty acids into your diet by taking fish oil supplements, grass fed meat, or pastured eggs.
Steer Clear Of Added Sugar
This can be hard if you’re accustomed to snacking on processed foods throughout the day, but worth it in the long run. Added sugar can be identified on nutrition labels in a variety of ways including high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose (table sugar). Eating too much added sugar can lead to illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease and, without a doubt, weigh on your mental health. An important mindset we practice here at Body Techniques is that moderation is key, so go ahead and treat yourself to a breakroom donut, but try not to go overboard!
Create A Plan With Your Healthcare Provider
While there are best practices for a healthy diet and eating nutritious foods, it’s important to talk to your doctor to create a plan based on your unique needs. Your healthcare provider will be able to help you navigate mental health, diet, and long-term nutrition goals in a way that makes sense for you!
Change Doesn’t Happen Overnight – Be Kind To Yourself
Shifting our diet takes a lot of practice and time to “relearn” how to eat healthy foods. When everything is said and done, what we eat impacts our mood. You can prioritize your mental health by being mindful of the food you eat and how it makes you feel. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and try new fruits, vegetables, or meal prep recipes if you think it’ll promote better mental health. After all, you deserve it!
Talk To Your Employer About Nutrition Benefits
More and more employers are rolling out wellness benefits for employees. Body Techniques works with businesses in every industry and can provide holistic wellness programs that help you and your colleagues be mindful about wellness at work. Discover how easy it is to get a custom quote and take control of your mental health today.