Eat Well. What we eat has a huge influence on our brains. The consumption of artificial and sugar-laden foods can lead to inflammation at the cellular level. This increases the likelihood of psychological disorders such as depression. A return to organic foods can reverse this process, Weil says.
Take It Easy. The way we view ourselves and the events that happen to us influence our psychological well-being. According to Weil, training in meditation leads to a more accepting attitude and thus a reduction in mental distress, as well as an increase in well-being and resistance to stress.
Be Social. We are social creatures. Loneliness leads to anxiety and depression. The way we live today—in large, anonymous cities, increasingly often without strong family ties—is a major source of the current depression epidemic, Weil says. We need to seek each other out, he believes, and make meaningful connections.
Discover Spirituality. It’s important for our mental well-being that we honor the spiritual facet of our existence. We have a natural need to feel connected to something larger than ourselves. To make that connection, Weil suggests “self-transcending activities” such as painting, making music or spending time close to nature.
Photo: Flickr.com/JKDs
