May promotes Mental Health Awareness and as a Medical Professional with over 25 years as a practicing physician, I can attest to the impact your mental health has on all aspects of your life. In my practice, I have seen patients who ignore their mental health fail at trying to improve their physical health. The two go hand-in-hand to achieve optimal results. Here are some of the ways you can focus on your mental health and continue your journey to be the healthiest version of yourself:

1. Get Your Sleep: We are busy and sometimes, running in many directions but without the ability for your body to reset and recharge, you run the risk of tricking your body into thinking you are in survivor mode, creating an unnecessary amount of stored fat. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each day. Take your first step to mental wellness by shutting off the electronics an hour ahead of sleep and prioritizing sleep.
2. Take a Walk: Any activity is good activity, so when you are struggling with ruminating thoughts, frustration at home or work, or just working all day at a desk, stop and take that 10 minute walk to release endorphins to recharge.
3. Be Kind & Smile: According to the Mental Health Foundation in the U.K., being kind to others even if just by giving a friendly smile is comforting to both the giver and the recipient. Their research shows that being kind can boost our mood, help us feel more capable, strengthen our connections with others and even make us cope better with stress.
4. Laugh: They say that “laughter is the best medicine” and as a medical professional, I still think REAL medicine IS the best medicine but laughter comes in a close second. For anyone struggling with menopause, laughter significantly lowers cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones) while raising levels of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which are the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals.
5. Help Another Person: Tony Robbins’ core philosophy is that “the secret to living is giving”. When you are trapped in a negative emotional state, it is usually because your focus is entirely inward. Shifting that attention to helping, serving, or contributing to someone else is the fastest way to break your negative patterns. Find a food pantry, donate time at a shelter, or share your talent at a local older adult home. The list is endless so find your way to contribute.

(Dr. Lorina Poe is the Medical Director and Owner of Cryo and Contour, a regenerative medicine & wellness facility in Nolensville Tennessee. She is a licensed primary physician with over 25 years working with families and individuals across Middle Tennessee. She is renowned for her weight loss work with patients that merges science and compassion in a boutique healthcare environment. She is a proud graduate of Meharry Medical College. Follow her on LinkedIn.)