May is Mental Health Month Tips

According to Julia K. Boehm, Ph.D., a researcher at the Harvard School of Public Education, “health is more than just the absence of disease...my research tries to move away from a focus on the absence of poor functioning, to the things that people do well or that allow them to flourish and thrive.”  Learn more about her work and the importance of positivity here: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/happiness-stress-heart-disease/ #mhmonth2014


The positive effects of laughing linger in the brain for up to 45 minutes after laughing, including the increase in depression-suppressing and immunity-boosting hormones.  Enjoy a good laugh as often as possible.  What always makes you laugh?#mhmonth2014 

 A diet high in saturated fats and refined sugars has a strong negative impact on brain proteins, which impact depression and potentially other mental health conditions.  Eat healthy to help your brain stay healthy.  Learn some techniques here: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/healthy-diet-eating-mental-health-mind.  Have any recipes you want to share with us? #mhmonth2014

Dark chocolate is the only food shown to directly improve mood.  Have a piece, and savor the good mood today.  Taking time for yourself helps improve your mood and lower stress as well.  Check out this recipe for Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites – healthy and delicious! http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/dark-chocolate-frozen-peanut-butter-banana-bites/
What’s your favorite dark chocolate treat? #mhmonth2014