Social-Ize Your Health Podcast ™

Mental Health: What Your Everyday Habits May Be Doing to Your Mind

• Dr. Shelly Ann • Season 6 • Episode 2

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0:00 | 35:44

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What if some of the things you do every day are quietly supporting your mental health, or quietly working against it?

Mental health isn't just about mental illness. It's also about how we cope, connect, function, rest and navigate everyday life. And while our habits don't determine our mental health on their own, they can play an important role in our overall well-being.

In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the everyday habits that may influence the way we feel, think and cope, including sleep, physical activity, nutrition, among others.

Key Takeaway:
You don't have to overhaul your entire life to start taking better care of your mind. Small, healthy habits are a start.

***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below.

 Main Discussion Points

  • Why sleep and mental health are closely connected.
  • What your everyday eating pattern may have to do with brain health
  • The difference between normal stress and living in a state of constant stress
  • Why healthy habits are not a substitute for professional mental health care.

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Resources/Freebies:

1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:

 2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog

3.   Almonds and Olivez YouTube Channel

References and Further Readings

  1. Cena H, Calder PC. Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for The Role of Contemporary Dietary Patterns in Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 27;12(2):334. 
  2. Gautam S, Jain A, Chaudhary J, Gautam M, Gaur M, Grover S. Concept of mental health and mental well-being, its determinants and coping strategies. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Jan;66(Suppl 2): S231-S244. 
  3. Hossain MN, Lee J, Choi H, Kwak YS, Kim J. The impact of exercise on depression: how moving makes your brain and body feel better. Phys Act Nutr. 2024 Jun;28(2):43-51. 
  4. Kabthymer RH, Karimi L, Livesay K, Lee M, Apostolopoulos V, Millar R, McKay S, Barry S, Olga CN, Colomer MF, Soultanakis H, Conduit R, Takac M, Mizzi S, Sidossis LS, Tierney A, Itsiopoulos C, Feehan J, Courten B. Effect of Mediterranean diet on mental health outcomes: a systematic review. Nutr Res Rev. 2025 Nov 6;39: e9. 
  5. Kesner L, Juríčková V, Grygarová D, Horáček J. Impact of Media-Induced Uncertainty on Mental Health: Narrative-Based Perspective. JMIR Ment Health. 2025 Jun 13;12: e68640.
  6. Mariotti A. The effects of chronic stress on health: new insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain-body communication. Future Sci OA. 2015 Nov 1;1(3): FSO23. 
  7. Martino J, Pegg J, Frates EP. The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015 Oct 7;11(6):466-475. 
  8. Tomaso CC, Johnson AB, Nelson TD. The effect of sleep deprivation and restriction on mood, emotion, and emotion regulation: three meta-analyses in one. Sleep. 2021 Jun 11;44(6): zsaa289. 
  9. Youssef R, Najm DB, Al-Bourji M, Boutros PH. Association of the Mediterranean diet with mental well-being: a cross-sectional study among adults living in Lebanon. BMC Public Health. 2025 Aug 7;25(1):2689. 

 Disclaimer: This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only.  If you are experiencing persistent or severe mental-health symptoms, please seek professional support. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek emergency help or contact an appropriate crisis service in your country.

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Thanks for listening! Have a great day!