Posted on March 20, 2025

In recent years, I have been working with women who come to me after years of talk therapy with other providers. They report feeling anxious, depressed, or extremely burnt out in their day-to-day lives. I practice from a truly holistic perspective, where the physical and emotional aspects of an individual’s life are equally important. The mind-body connection is a beautiful thing, yet as a society, we have attempted to sever it. We have become so disconnected that we have convinced ourselves that poor nutrition and lifestyle choices have no impact on our emotional or cognitive well-being.

The Role of Nutrition & Lifestyle in Mental Well-Being

In my work, I encourage you to explore how the food you eat, what you do with your time, and how you manage stress impact your emotional and physical health. A common theme I have found among my clients is that poor nutrition and lifestyle contribute to difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression. After assessing their habits, I learn that for most, their daily food consumption consists of quick, convenient meals with little to no nutritional value. Combined with being indoors all day—working or taking care of the home—this creates an imbalance in the nervous system. This imbalance can lead to sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, digestive issues, pain, fatigue, and other physiological symptoms.

The Impact of Modern Lifestyles on Well-Being

We were never meant to be stuck inside concrete boxes all day, disconnected from natural sources of energy like the sun and the earth. When I discuss lifestyle changes with my clients, their initial reaction is often confusion and overwhelm. Many of them have pondered these questions before, yet the feeling that something is deeply “off” has taken up more space in their lives than they care to admit.

While it may feel like we are trapped in the “typical American lifestyle,” the reality is that we do have choices. In my work, I strive to empower my clients to make choices that honor their God-given bodies. We take things at a pace that feels comfortable—baby steps often lead to lasting change.

We push our bodies to the limit, prioritizing heavy workloads and busy schedules without proper nutrition or energy sources. It’s no wonder we feel exhausted and depleted. To compensate, we reach for expensive, low-quality coffee to get through the day. Then at night, we spend hours doom-scrolling on social media before eventually setting our phones down to sleep for just a few hours—only to wake up and repeat the cycle.

We were meant for so much more. Hard work is honorable. Caring for our homes, families, and communities is valuable. God did not design us for a life of constant leisure, but He also did not create us to live in a state of exhaustion and depletion.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15

If that is the case, why do we feel so bad?

God designed us to receive energy from the sun, the earth, and the nutritious food He created for us. Every plant and animal on this earth serves a purpose—nothing was created by accident.

“The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” – Proverbs 16:4

We were created in God’s image, meant to reflect His power and glory. Even when we feel weighed down by the world, we are capable of experiencing the abundant life He intended for us.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

What we are fueling our bodies with is a sad and inferior imitation of the blessings God has provided. But through small, intentional choices, we can begin to honor our bodies as the temples they are. Nutrition and lifestyle may only be part of the mental health equation, but they are major components. Improvements in these areas can lead to lasting impacts on our mood, health, spirituality, and the way we show up for ourselves and others.

Steps to Begin a God-Honoring Lifestyle

I have put together some simple, actionable steps to help you begin living a life that aligns with the way God designed us to thrive:

1. Get More Sun. Spend a few minutes outside in the morning before starting your day. Even one minute can make a difference. Once it becomes a habit, try stepping outside again in the evening before sunset. Sun exposure helps regulate our circadian rhythms, improving sleep patterns and overall energy levels.
2. Eat Real Food. Take inventory of what you’re eating. How often are you consuming processed foods? Set an attainable intention—this is unique to you and your routine. If you eat out for every meal, try swapping just one meal per week for something homemade and nutritious.
3. Improve Your Sleep Hygiene. Assess your nightly routine. Do you spend hours on your phone before bed? Try reducing screen time by just 20 minutes per day (or per week if that feels more achievable). Creating a calming bedtime routine can greatly improve sleep quality.
4. Practice Belly Breathing. Many people resist this, but it’s a simple and powerful tool. Start with just one deep breath per day: inhale through your nose, expand your belly like a balloon, and exhale through your mouth. Over time, this practice can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

While these steps may not seem groundbreaking, they are foundational to lasting change. This is not about perfection—it is about progress. Over time, these small adjustments can shift your entire life.

The questions I have posed may feel uncomfortable to consider, but I encourage you to reflect on them without guilt. Acknowledging where we are allows us to move forward.

How Does Your Diet Impact Your Mental Health?

If you feel ready to take the next steps, keep going! Keep growing and embracing the journey ahead.

If you need support in breaking down barriers and beginning a new path, please reach out. Help is available, and if I am not the right fit for you, I will do my best to connect you with someone who is.

You are not alone in this journey, and change is possible—one step at a time.