The “whole body” approach of Functional Medicine is not only good for the body, but also the mind when it comes to your own mental health. We now live in a hectic world full of modern technology and other too-many-to-count distractions that can make you feel depleted, depressed, and disconnected from the radiant happiness that resides deep within.

The good news is, there are three super simple habits based on the core principles of Functional Medicine that can put you back on the right track. While these habits aren’t overly complicated, they shouldn’t be overlooked despite their simplicity. Like Confucius once said, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated”.

It’s amazing how making a few minor tweaks and changes in our lives can tip the scale toward a life that’s far more healthy, happy, and fulfilling. Below are three habits based on Functional Medicine that can help move the scales in your favor…

Mind/Body Habit #1: Improving Your ‘Gut-Brain-Axis’

Did you know that your gut produces key neurotransmitters that include serotonin, dopamine, and GABA? These are the chemicals that play a pivotal role in your own mental health and happiness – among other things. If you want a sure-fire way to improve your energy, digestion, and overall mental health, maintaining a well-balanced and healthy gut microbiome is a great place to start. Be sure to mix in plenty of whole foods into your diet that are loaded with prebiotics and probiotics (think: bananas, garlic, kimchi, blueberries, asparagus, oats – just to name a few).

Mind/Body Habit #2: Stomping Out Chronic Inflammation

When it comes to improving a person’s mental health, doctors typically focus on brain neurochemistry exclusively. But thanks to new scientific research and data, the one area that’s now gaining a lot of attention is chronic inflammation. Inflammation can have a negative impact on all internal body organs and tissues, including the brain and digestive system – both of which are critical to one’s mental health. By reducing body inflammation, not only can you improve your health and avoid chronic disease, but it can positively impact your gut microbiome, brain health, and even your immune system.

Mind/Body Habit #3: Stop Neglecting Your Nightly Z’s

Getting plenty of restorative sleep every night is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health. Sleep allows your mind and body to “reset”. But for over 50% of people in the USA alone, they lose sleep due to high levels of on-going stress and anxiety. When you can create a healthy sleep routine, not only will you wake fully refreshed and restored each day, but it’ll set a solid foundation for greater mental clarity, personal energy and vitality, and even help minimize chronic pains and body inflammation. Unsure of how to improve your own sleep hygiene? Start with the tips found in this article.

As you can clearly see, these 3 habits are very simple and straightforward. But for many people, they’re often overlooked. Pick one habit that you feel most connected with and make it your primary focus over the next 30 days and see how it impacts your own mental health and well-being.

If you still feel plagued with a stressful mind and want to elevate your own healing energy, then another free guide you may want to consider is my Calm Mind Workbook. To find out more information about this popular guide and get free instant access to it, be sure to complete the SOS Stress Assessment.