Healing Depression & Anxiety through Food, Exercise & Meditation

Many of you know bits and pieces of my story... I’ve struggled with anxiety & depression most of my life. #worldmentalhealthday
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And the only things that have truly & consistently helped me, are EXERCISE, FOOD and MEDITATION.

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These three things have become the centerpiece of my life now, because they ARE my “medicine”. 
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I’ve always been athlete, a mover in my body. And since the age of 6 yrs old, I knew that movement would always be a vital part of my life, my creativity, my passion, my existence.
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I was also in the slow reading group in 1st grade, I had tutors and special class accommodations through high school, I was told I was mentally slow and started to believe that I wasn’t smart enough. I know now that I’m smart as hell and sharp as a knife, but back then, having a different learning style in a high pressured college-prep boarding school, didn’t exactly fly.
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I went to a doctor in college who told me that the ADD & anti-depressant medication he was prescribing me, would “help me run faster”. Lol. I know, I’m shaking my head as I write this too... but I was 20-something and thought I’d give it a go, since I couldn’t quite get a grasp on my issues with lack of motivation, focus and feeling down.
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After trying a handful of different western modalities... my father, who also used to struggle with depression, suggested I start looking closer at the foods that I ate. 

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His cure for everything is to drink a big glass of water! lol. And he’s right!
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After years of abusing my body with crappy, low-grade, nutrient deficient foods... my athletic performance really started to take a nose dive and my depression was sneaky. It would take me down hard when I least expected it.
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So I started experimenting with different foods. I realized I was lactose intolerant, I cut out frozen & pre-packaged meals. I started going to farmers markets for fresh veggies & fruits.
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I became my own guinea pig and began reading all that I could about different diets and how they support both mental & physical functioning. 

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I began studying exercise science, meditation and imagery healing. I started journaling every day about how I was feeling and tracking all the details. I dove deep into the life-changing benefits of breath practices... AND... I found Yoga 🏻.
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I immediately began to recognize that my mood, my energy, my focus, my athletic performance, my confidence... were ALL directly related to the foods that I ate, the amount of exercise I was getting and the mindful, self-care I was gifting myself. 
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I’ve literally cured myself through holistic health practices and am SO grateful 🏻.
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And now, in my 30’s... here I am... educating, leading and guiding others to look closer at the foods they eat, encouraging them to get moving in their bodies and slow down to find their breath! Full circle, huh, lol.

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If you’re struggling with mental illness, at any level, mild or severe. Reach out. Ask for help. Pick up a book. Go for a run. Talk to someone about it. Don’t sit there by yourself in pain. 
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You’re not alone! 

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#mentalhealth #worldmentalhealthday #holistichealth #meditation #fitness #exercise #