5 Habits to Foster a Healthy Mind

Mental disorders are the third-leading cause of health loss for New Zealanders, second only to cancer. Yet there are steps that can be taken to lessen or avoid the symptoms, according to Mental Health New Zealand.

The organisation is urging people to take ownership of their own mental health and wellbeing as part of Mental Health Week (October 10), through simple actions that may add up to make a big difference.

Naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist Janella Purcell agrees, and says making a commitment to change or adopt new habits is the first step in taking charge of a person’s own wellness and vitality—physically and mentally.



“Our mind is not separate from our body – what we eat, think and say all can have impact on how mentally vital and together we feel,” she says. “Mental Health Week is the perfect marker for change. Make a promise to yourself, even with just one simple action, and you’re setting the stage for a healthier, happier you. Intention is highly underestimated, but an incredibly powerful tool that we all possess.”

Here, Janella shares her top recommendations to foster a healthy mind.