Going vegan is a great way to improve your physical health but it also offers some positive benefits that can help to improve our mental health too
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Veganism can make you healthier all over your body, including your mind.
The brain and body are always connected, and that means the way you treat your body will impact the functions of your mind and your emotions.
Digging a little deeper, the way you think about your health choices will impact the way your body moves and functions.
How you think about what you put into your body matters, and making the switch to vegansim is a perfect of example of how that works in practice.
From the ethics to the physical health benefits, being vegan can turn food into an aspect of your life that motivates you to have a positive attitude and feel better about the world all around you.
Really, veganism is a lifestyle that works for your mind and body while allowing you to give back.
There’s nothing else like it, which is why it offers so many abundant and unique benefits for your mental health.
You can ease into the diet, or go full speed ahead — it’s all about what works best for you.
1. Practicing Compassion
Veganism and plant based living have so many bodily health boosts, and that’s amazing.
Even though it’s important to consider those and put yourself first, one of the biggest benefits doesn’t really have anything to do with you at all.
In fact, it’s the selfless part of veganism that offers one of the most important impacts for the lifestyle.
By going vegan, you save animals from pain and suffering every single day, and you do your part to help the planet by lowering your carbon footprint.
By making choices every day that help the world at large, you can be aware of all the good you’re doing.
By reminding yourself of it regularly, the positivity will become more present in your mind and you can feel truly confident in all of your choices.
2. Mindful Food Choices
Sometimes, people just sort of happen by food or don’t really consider what they’re putting into their bodies every day.
While this works for some, it can also be a very rushed, detached way to experience your meals, drinks and snacks.
Being vegan creates a mindful awareness around your food choices. The lifestyle makes you consider before you eat something, which can help you create a more aware and conscious relationship with food and nutrition.
When you find yourself taking a more mindful approach to the food you eat, mindfulness as a whole will come much easier to you.
Through mindfulness, you can focus more on the present and experience each moment as it comes. It makes room for present thought and pondering.
3. Finding Community
Many people fear the feeling of isolation when considering a vegan diet for the first time.
Although it might feel logical to fear being the odd one out at family dinners and Friendsgiving feasts, those people will love you regardless of whether you’re chowing down on tofu and greens or meaty burgers beside them, and you’ll see that quickly.
But what you will find when you go vegan is a whole community of people you may not have known before.
The vegan community is robust and thriving online, with Facebook groups, Youtube communities and hashtags abound.
Even if you live in a small town or rural area, all you have to do is log on and say hello to any number of brand new people looking to uplift and support you.
If you’re somewhere a bit more populated, you can check out vegan restaurants in your area and meet all kinds of awesome new friends.
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4. Energy Lift
One of the main physical and mental benefits of going vegan is the energy boost that so many people report from their new source of fuel.
Plant power is a real thing, and it can ensure that you go about your day more uplifted and energetic doing all the things you love to do.
Plant based foods offer more vitamins and nutrients that help increase your brain function, and the higher carbohydrate consumption will help you become much more energetic following your meals.
The more energy and enthusiasm you have, the better your moods will be. Who wants to be groggy and tired all day anyway?
5. Kissing Stress Goodbye
Eating a healthy diet and looking after your body has been known to lower stress levels, and veganism knocks it out of the park.
Eating whole, plant based foods has been linked to lower cortisol levels, which means that you’ll be less stressed on a chemical and biological level.
Cortisol is a stress hormone, and high levels can have negative impacts on your mental and physical wellness. Foods like leafy greens, wild rice, fermented foods and even dark chocolate can lower cortisol levels. Chilling out has never sounded so delicious!
Plant Powered Mind
Through giving back, finding community and fueling your body with nourishing plant foods, you can improve your mental health in so many ways with veganism.
You’re not only helping the animals and the planet when you go vegan, because you’re taking care of you in the process.
If you, or a loved one, needs help and support, you can find help in the UK here.
