Having a pet can provide helpful and healing health benefits. While it seems like a no-brainer that coming  home after a hard day to a loving creature who thinks the sun rises and sets based on your command is incredibly heart warming, there are a surprising amount of studies that show the scientific reason for  this. The unconditional love Whiskers and Fido provide us can help those of us with self-esteem issues, and logging tummy-rubs and cuddle time can lower our blood pressure and reduce stress. 

When we spend time with our pets, our body releases the calming hormone oxytocin, which can counteract stress hormone cortisol. It's no wonder we feel calmer when we see those furry faces! We knew they were good for our hearts, who knew they were so good for our health? 

Over 5% of the world’s population suffers from depressive episodes. You are not alone. Try to connect with friends or family. Talk to someone. Take a mental health day when you need it. 

There is no shame in knowing when you are struggling. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness. It takes a lot of strength to seek out the help you need. You are courageous. You are strong. And you will persevere. 

An interesting new finding tied to anxiety, stress and sleep deprivation is called 'FOMO,' or, the Fear of Missing Out. This type of anxiety is seen in people who feel so uncomfortable without their smartphones and electronic devices, they start to stress out about missing what's going on. While we all like to keep in touch, this is seen more in those who are tied 24/7/365 to their communication devices, desperate to be in the know and included as much as possible. 

While keeping that blue light going right before bed can contribute to trouble falling asleep, it has obvious other risks attributed to it. If you identify with this and feel genuinely concerned about your addiction to your devices, have a chat with your doctor. If you've just been a little more obsessed than usual, and are noticing your attachment taking you away from normal activities you enjoy, practice shutting down for a few hours a day, and especially before bed!

Setting and achieving regular short-term and long-term goals can have a positive impact on your mental health, but do you know how? Personal goals provide motivation and a sense of purpose. Achieving your goals gives you a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, leading to good mental health. 

Set SMART goals. Write down goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-oriented. With the use of the SMART method, you have a higher chance of accomplishing your goals. You are in control of your life!

Every single person can access their intuition and life purpose through the practice of meditaiton. Meditation opens the mystical third eye which is known as the gateway to the soul and knowledge beyond the five senses. 

A daily practice of meditation exercises different parts of the brain that become active when we meditate and strenghten our connection to our own intuition. We can develop a stronger communication line with our soul to hear what it is we came here to do through a regular practice of meditation.

This allows us to find what will truly make us excited to wake up in the morning. Meditation helps us shed the identity created by our environment and the ego that covers up our true loving purpose or it validates that what we always felt is indeed our purpose. Intuition increases our ability to know what is best for us to pursue and what is best for us to let go because the old saying is true 'all that glitter's isn't gold.'

Maintaining a healthy body goes a long way towards maintaining a healthy mind. Regular exercise increases endorphins and decreases the stress hormone, cortisol. Eating a healthy and balanced diet provides your body with the proper nutrients so you function at your best. Getting enough sleep every night gives us the energy and clarity we need to tackle the day ahead.

Exercise, adopt a healthy diet, and get enough sleep to improve your mental health. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you for it.