How can we optimise our mental health?

How can we optimise our mental health? I love this TED talk by Dan Banos, in which he talks about 8 principles to help us achieve optimal mental health.

1 Nutrition – we should aim to eat more plant-based food

2 Exercise – exercise generates endorphins, which can improve our health

3 Water – water is important for transporting tryptophan and affects mood

4 Sunshine – sunshine gives us better sleep, and can reduce pain levels

5 Temperance – balance is important, and we should abstain from excess alcohol and caffeine

6 Air – fresh air improves our health

7 Rest – we need sufficient rest to perform at our best level

8 Trust – it is important to have a sense of trust, and a sense of purpose

These give the useful acronym of NEWSTART, which gives us a handy way to memorise the principles. None of the concepts are new to me, but I love having this simple reminder of the things I should be focussing on to improve my mental health!

Project 365

I set up this website after deciding that I want to build a more creative life for myself, so I can give up my job and be in control of my own destiny.

I have set myself a goal of publishing an article on my website every day this year, to document my journey from employment to self-employment.

The name I chose was Project 365 because I see this as a year that I have dedicated to learning and self-development, as I countdown to freedom. It started on 1st January 2021, so I have 273 days to go!