Trusting God in everything requires great faith. Great faith like Noah, for instance. God warned Him of deadly flood waters that would come upon the earth and destroy all life. A flood that would kill all had never happened since the beginning of time. However, Noah trusted God. God gave Noah specific instructions to build an ark that would preserve the lives of his family and himself. As all of earth’s inhabitants washed away from existence, Noah and his family would be safe from destruction. Noah, a man of great faith, stood set apart from a wicked world and prepared in obedience to God.
Focus Scripture
By faith [with confidence in God and His word] Noah, being warned by God about events not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this [act of obedience] he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith.
Hebrews 11:7
Trusting God In Your Mental Health
The pain and suffering that mental illness and mental health challenges can cause are often unthinkable to a person until it happens to them or someone that they love. This pain can be so vast that the person experiencing it longs to remember what life looked like before the suffering. During my journey, I once found myself at a point where I could hardly remember the person I was before bipolar and anxiety hit my life. Do you feel that way now? Have you at any point?
Believers living with a mental illness or mental health challenge need the kind of faith Noah had. Though you’ve been fighting for so long, there is a life of joy on the other side of your pain. The rainbow God put in the sky after the flood represented a promise. You also have a promise from God. Your promise is an abundant life that Jesus came to give you.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.John 10:10
Will you trust God for healing and the ability to thrive in life? It may have been several years since you’ve felt healthy, but will you trust God in everything like Noah?
Encouragement
I leave this piece of encouragement with you. Follow God’s lead, work towards your healing, do all you need to do to reach a life of wellness. This life includes seeking God through His Word and prayer. This life also includes worshiping through the pain, taking help from safe people in your life and following your health plan given to you by your therapist and psychiatrist. Don’t give up! Remember, you are never alone. God is with you. You are precious and loved.
PRAYER
“Mighty God, thank you for your healing power. I trust you in everything. I trust you in this dark area of my life. I believe that you will deliver me from the dark spaces of mental illness and help me to thrive in life abundantly. When I doubt your promise, please lead me back to you and strengthen my faith to believe all that you have said. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
This Week’s Vlog
THREE WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR TRUST IN GOD
THROUGH PRAYER
Have conversations with God where you pour out your doubts and fears. Receive reassurance and peace because you know that God hears your prayers.
“The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”Proverbs 15:29
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14
THROUGH READING SCRIPTURE
Reading the Word of God shows us the character of God and showcases real life stories of those who trusted God in everything.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
LIVING BY FAITH
Walk your trust in God out. Be full of courage believing by faith that God sees things unseen and unknown to you. He is working in and through every area of your life. He works all things together for the good of them that love the Lord.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1
I pray this devotional, tips and vlog bless you and aid you in growing a strong trust in God. He is with you!
I’ve got a new smoothie recipe creation for you to try!
Btw, if you didn’t realize it, I create these recipes myself and experiment with the ingredients in my kitchen. I have to say that it is truly therapeutic. Who knows, maybe I will get into some food recipes at some point. Of course, that would take me having to cook more in general, lol!
This smoothie is really creamy, which I like! It actually reminds me of a milkshake.
It has a fresh taste to it and you’ll experience the fruity hints of strawberry and peach as you drink it.
It is considered a green smoothie as well because it includes spinach.
Check out the ingredients below, make it yourself, and enjoy.
Btw, let me and the community know your thoughts on it once you try it. I would definitely appreciate your feedback sis!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients I decided to use in this creamy green smoothie and how some of them have mental health benefits.
My smoothie ingredients measured and ready to blend. by Priscilla Henley
Spinach:
According to Science Daily, the following can be said about spinach:
“Something as easy as adding more spinach, kale, collards and mustard greens to your diet could help slow cognitive decline, according to new research. The study also examined the nutrients responsible for the effect, linking vitamin K consumption to slower cognitive decline for the first time.”
According to Medical News Today, I found the following about Greek yogurt (probiotic yogurt):
Research suggests that consuming probiotic yogurt is beneficial for a person’s mental health.
A 2016 study found that workers who ate 100 grams of probiotic yogurt a day or took a daily probiotic capsule experienced less stress, depression, and anxiety than those who did not.
This effect is likely due to to the relationship between the gut and brain, and the ability of the gut to make neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine (Burgess).
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that can help fight inflammation and keep cholesterol levels in check. “Research has also shown that omega-3s can help boost your mood and help improve mood disorders like depression,” says registered dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin. “Use flaxseed oil as the basis for your salad dressings, and reap these mood-elevating benefits.”
Chia seeds have a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 1,769 milligrams of omega-3s. These nutrients play a role in the functioning of serotonin and dopamine, both critical to mood and mental health.
Furthermore, chia seeds contain magnesium, which is sometimes referred to as “the stress antidote.” Some doctors and scientists believe that depression rates are increasing because we no longer get enough magnesium in our diet. “Top 10 Foods You Should Eat Every Day.” Newport Institute, 7 Aug. 2020, https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/top-10-foods-you-should-eat-everyday/
Almond Milk
Organic Agave Nectar
Prepped Smoothie
I use a single serve Ninja with Nutrient & Vitamin Extraction.
Prepped Smoothie by Priscilla Henley
RECIPE with nutritional facts
Peachy Green Mental Health Smoothie
This healthy and delicious green smoothie is creamy with a sweet taste of peaches and strawberries. Grab it in the morning as a quick breakfast to go.
Single Serve or Large Blender
1 cup spinach (I use baby spinach)
1/2 cup peaches (Frozen)
1/2 cup strawberries (Frozen)
1/4 cup vanilla greek yogurt (I use the brand Chobani)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (I use Almond Breeze)
1/2 tsp organic agave (I use Organic Agave In The Raw)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tbsp flax seed
Place every ingredient into your blender. Blend the mixture until smooth.
Serve & enjoy your smoothie immediately.
Breakfast
American
anxiety & depression smoothie, health smoothie, mental health smoothie, smoothie, smoothies for mental health
Recently, I have been trying to find more ways to care for my mental health.
I’ve always loved a good smoothie and I thought to myself that smoothies could be a great way for me to include certain foods in my meals throughout each day.
With that in mind, I decided to begin creating a smoothie with mental health benefits.
I also have to mention that I am a creative person who loves to make and put together different projects. So to scratch, the creative itch I’ve been having lately, crafting a smoothie for my husband and me was a win.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients I decided to use in my first smoothie and how some of them have mental health benefits.
My smoothie ingredients measured and ready to blend. by Priscilla Henley
Oatmeal:
According to Eating Well, whole grains like oatmeal are identified as,
beneficial for depression in the Nutritional Neuroscience study. Plus, another study published more recently revealed that women who ate moderate amounts of whole grains were less likely to experience anxiety (Horton).
Horton M.S., RD, Brierley. “5 Foods to Eat for Better Mental Health.” Eating Well, 13 May 2021, https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7902827/foods-to-eat-for-better-mental-health/.
Blueberries:
Also, according to Eating Well, blueberries are identified as,
In the world of berries, wild blueberries deserve a special shoutout: just a half cup of wild blueberries delivers more than a day’s dose of manganese. Manganese may be a lesser-known mineral, yes, but it’s one that seems to be important for mental wellness. In a study published in 2019 in the journal Nutrients, Japanese adults who consumed the lowest levels of manganese were more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety, compared to their counterparts who got more manganese into their diets (Horton).
Horton M.S., RD, Brierley. “5 Foods to Eat for Better Mental Health.” Eating Well, 13 May 2021, https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7902827/foods-to-eat-for-better-mental-health/.
bananas may play a more indirect role by shoring up the amount of serotonin the brain is able to produce.3 The body needs other nutrients to properly make and use serotonin, including vitamin B6,4 and bananas are an especially rich source of this vitamin.
If a diet inadequate in vitamin B6 is contributing to low levels of serotonin, dietary changes may help—but that doesn’t mean eating one banana a day will be enough to improve your mood (Schimelpfening).
Schimelpfening, Nancy. “Does Eating Bananas Improve Your Mood?” Very Well Mind, 10 February 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/bananas-increase-serotonin-fact-or-fiction-1066923
If you aren’t aware of the importance of serotonin, read what Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School says about it:
Serotonin can stave off depression and provide a feeling a euphoria.
When you feel happy and all seems right with the world, you’re feeling the effects of serotonin. This hormone is responsible for boosting mood, as well as a host of other functions (Watson).
Watson, Stephanie. “Serotonin: The natural mood booster.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 20 July 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster
Yogurt:
According to Medical News Today, I found the following about Greek yogurt (probiotic yogurt),
Research suggests that consuming probiotic yogurt is beneficial for a person’s mental health.
A 2016 study found that workers who ate 100 grams of probiotic yogurt a day or took a daily probiotic capsule experienced less stress, depression, and anxiety than those who did not.
This effect is likely due to to the relationship between the gut and brain, and the ability of the gut to make neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine (Burgess).
Burgess, Lana. “8 health benefits of Greek yogurt.” Medical News Today, 25 September 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323169
Almond Milk
Vanilla Extract
Last Saturday
I jumped into my kitchen with my notepad of ideas and started making my first smoothie creation. Studying foods for mental health and sketching ideas were all worth it because my first smoothie was complete and the only thing left to do was to try it.
My very first smoothie recipe was a hit in my house for my husband and me. We found that the single-serve blender did the best blend job. This beautiful purple drink was smooth to drink.
It was refreshing and I look forward to seeing if drinking smoothies consistently will contribute to improvements to my mental health and overall wellbeing. This is just the start!
I’d love for you to try this recipe at home.
Once you’ve tasted it, come back and let me know your thoughts.
The recipe is below!
Enjoy.
Blueberry, Banana, & Oats Smoothie
This healthy and delicious purple smoothie is great for treating anxiety and depression with food. Grab it in the morning as a breakfast to go.
Single Serve or Large Blender
1/4 cup rolled oats (I prefer organic rolled oats)
1/2 banana (Fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup blueberries (Fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/8 cup vanilla greek yogurt (I prefer the brand Chobani)
Place every ingredient into your blender. Blend the mixture until smooth.
Serve & enjoy your smoothie immediately.
Add chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids which combined with tryptophan, an amino acid could leave you in a better mood and sleeping pattern.
Breakfast
American
anxiety & depression smoothie, mental health smoothie, smoothie
During Christmas time 2020, my husband asked me to give him some ideas of things I may want as gifts. As I have gotten older, it has been a little harder to create a wish list because I am mostly satisfied with what I already have. But hubby insisted I give him a list. I started thinking about my priorities for this year. I remembered one of my priorities is self care.
I began an Amazon wish list of some things I could use during my moments of self-care. My hubby ended up surprising me with a self-care Christmas.
I will share beauty care ideas that you can place on your self-care ideas list in this post.
Self-Care For Your Face
Skincare is one of my favorite self-care activities. There is so much that you can do! You can try a face cleanser with a face brush, face mask, exfoliate with a face scrub, utilize serums, and so on.
Benefits include
Maintains healthy, elastic, shiny skin
Maintains youthful-looking skin
Prevents acne breakouts and scarring
Boosts your self-confidence when you are comfortable with your skin
One of my Christmas Day gifts was a facial brush.
My favorite features of my beauty care brush are
Make-up Sponge that massages and cleans the skin
Massage Head that massage acupoints and blends moisturizer in the skin
Coarse Brush that clears up dirt on the face.
Self-Care For Your Hands
The next idea that I have for you ladies is a manicure! Because we use our hands so much, it is vital to show them some TLC.
Here are some ideas:
Go to the nail salon.
At home, remove nail polish, soak hands and give yourself a spa experience with heated beauty mitts. They will leave your hands silky smooth and prepare them for your manicure. The True Glow by Conair Heated Beauty Hand Mitts is one of my favorite gifts I received for Christmas.
Groom your fingernails with a nail kit and apply your favorite polish at home.
Groom your fingernails with a nail kit and apply press on/glue on nails at home. My favorite brand is Kiss. The Kiss Products Store on Amazon has beautiful selections.
Self-Care For Your Feet
If you are going to do a manicure, why not also do a pedicure. Pedicures are great for keeping your feet soft and healthy in appearance.
Here are some ideas:
Go to the nail salon.
At home, remove nail polish, wash, and soak your feet using a foot spa, like this popular one on Amazon.
Groom your toenails with a nail kit and apply your favorite polish at home.
Self-Care For Your Whole Body
Also, consider taking a bath. Baths are very relaxing and calming. Utilize bath bombs, essential oils, Epsom/bath salts, and bubble baths. Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath is a highly rated brand that includes pure Epsom salt and a lavender scent.
Besides adding products to your bath; also consider lighting some candles and playing your favorite chill tunes.
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