- Health advice
- 6 min read
- Feb 28, 2025
Mental health isn’t just about addressing problems—it’s about building mental fitness, much like physical exercise strengthens the body. By supporting your brain with targeted nutrients, adaptogens, and self-care strategies, you can enhance resilience, clarity, and emotional well-being.
Nutritional and Herbal Support for Mental Fitness
- Functional Mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps) – Support cognitive function, stress resilience, and nervous system balance. Lion’s Mane, in particular, has been studied for its neuroprotective benefits.
- L-Theanine – Found in green tea, this amino acid promotes relaxation without drowsiness and helps balance neurotransmitters linked to focus and stress management.
- SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) – Plays a key role in mood regulation, supporting serotonin and dopamine production. Research shows it may be beneficial for mild depression.
- Ashwagandha – An adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, reducing anxiety and enhancing mental clarity.
- Magnesium – Essential for nervous system function, magnesium supports relaxation, improves sleep quality, and reduces stress-related muscle tension.
- Omega-3s (EPA & DHA) – These fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function and emotional balance, with studies linking them to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Our Naturopaths Favourites
- Supports concentration and mental clarity
- Improves cognitive function
- Suitable for vegans
- 100% pure, easy to dissolve, pleasant-tasting powder
- Promotes relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety
- Improves mood and cognitive function
- With bioactivated B9 and B12
- Assists in the maintenance of healthy mood
- Supports liver health and its natural detoxification processes
- Assists in the synthesis of neurotransmitters
- Refrigeration required!
- Supports healthy cardiovascular system function and brain health
- A highly potent fish oil, containing a high strength dose of 1,250 mg omega-3 oils
- Each soft gel contains 668mg EPA and 260mg of DHA
- Contains KSM-66® Ashwagandha
- Helps to reduce the effects of mild anxiety and stress
- Relieves nervous tension
- Reduces stress
- Increases recovery after workout
- Improves sleep
- An uplifting yet calming blend of essential oils
- Recommended for low mood and when requiring motivation
- Beneficial when feeling stressed and persistently down
Holistic Strategies for Mental Resilience
Prioritise Sleep
Deep, restorative sleep is critical for emotional regulation and cognitive function. It’s also when the brain’s glymphatic system kicks in, flushing out toxins and waste that build up during the day. Prioritising quality sleep supports mental clarity and long-term brain health.
Practice Self-Compassion
Negative self-talk can erode mental fitness. Treat yourself with kindness and patience, as you would a friend.
Move Your Body Daily
Regular physical activity, even gentle movement like walking or stretching, helps reduce stress and boost mood.
Limit Stimulants and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt mood stability and sleep patterns. Opt for calming herbal teas or adaptogenic drinks instead.
Create a Mindfulness Routine
Daily meditation, journaling, or breathwork can help regulate emotions and improve mental clarity.
Build Meaningful Connections
Social engagement is a cornerstone of long-term mental health. Prioritise time with supportive friends, family, or community groups.
Understanding mental health as mental fitness empowers you to take proactive steps toward resilience and emotional balance. Small, consistent changes can make a significant impact, so you can live happier, healthier YOU!
References:
- Kakuda, T. (2011). "Neuroprotective effects of theanine and its preventive effects on cognitive dysfunction." Pharmacological Research, Aug;64(2):162-8.
- Lopresti, A. L., et al. (2019). "The effects of Ashwagandha root extract on stress and anxiety." Medicine (Baltimore), 98(37).
- Mischoulon, D., & Fava, M. (2002). "Role of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine in Depression Management." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 76(5), 1158S-1161S.
- Reily, N. M., et al. (2023). "Omega-3 supplements in the prevention and treatment of youth depression and anxiety symptoms: A scoping review." Black Dog Institute, 18(4):e0284057.
- Szućko-Kociuba, I., et al. (2023). "Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(21), 15960.
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