Humans don’t come with an instruction manual, but there are things that we can all do that have been proven to keep us physically and mentally healthy.
I do NOT have a green thumb, but I do know the basics of how to keep a plant alive and growing. Therefore, I’d like to explain how to engage in self-care in a way that is easy to remember: treat yourself like a plant.
- Get some sunlight.
Just like plants need sunlight, so do we! It is widely known that Vitamin D comes from milk and some foods, but did you know it also comes from sunlight?
In fact, 15 minutes of sunlight exposure at least 3 times per week can give us enough Vitamin D to make up for what is missing in food.
Vitamin D helps reduce inflammation and helps all types of cells grow! It makes our bones stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps us sleep better. (We all know what consequences we suffer if we don’t get a good night’s sleep—grumpiness, grogginess, overeating, bad decision making just to name a few!)
Additionally, according to researchers at BYU, the availability of sunlight has a big impact on our mood.
During seasons where we get less sunlight, humans experience more mood and emotional problems and disorders.
On the other hand, days with plenty of sunshine helped increase positive mood which means the release of “feel good” hormones and chemicals in the body. Just remember to wear your sunscreen!
- Drink plenty of water.
According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water.
Skin is 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: at 31%. It only makes sense to drink water if much of our bodies, and most especially the brain, are made of water!
A 2014 study concluded that habitual water drinking facilitates clear thinking and helps with alertness. It also could benefit mood and confidence.
For example, drinking enough water can clear up skin problems, which can give self-confidence and vitality. There is such a thing as drinking too much water though, so be careful and don’t go overboard with it.
- Get some fresh air and activity.
Some plants do well indoors, and some plants thrive in the outdoor elements of wind, rain, and snow.
I’d like for you to imagine though that you are a plant that happens to benefit from the fresh air. Imagine the slight breeze that moves you and gives you chance to interact with other plants.
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors and in nature can induce calm, decrease depression, and stave off anxiety.
There is a treatment called Ecotherapy, where you spend a prescribed amount of time outdoors and in nature to treat depression.
The benefits of being around nature and green plants is also very grounding.
Grounding is a natural way to combat anxiety because it helps us live in the moment.
Since you are out of the house, it may even give you a chance to do some light socializing–waving at neighbors, saying good morning to passersby.
This even light amount of social interaction has great benefits for the brain. It keeps loneliness at bay and can improve overall mood.
- Ensure that you are getting proper nutrients and minerals.
Have you ever seen those commercials for plant food or soil? They show flowers that grow without the MiracleGro and some that do.
The difference is, with the plant food, the flowers grow bigger and are more resilient and the ones that grow without it are still pretty, but puny and weaker.
The same goes for our bodies! If we ingest junk food or fast food, sure our bodies will survive.
We won’t go hungry and we will live. But if we eat high quality, nutritious food and take our vitamins, our bodies will not just be surviving and functioning, they will THRIVE.
Also, have you ever noticed how you feel after you eat a large fatty and not-so-nutritious meal? Or what it feels like if you drink too much alcohol?
That is not fun at all. Like a plant, your brain functions best when it gets nutrient rich soil and plant food.
Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress.
So, there you have it. Four simple strategies to keep your mind and body happy and healthy…like a plant!
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