teaExcitement for summer is growing after Punxsutawney Phil declared earlier this year that warmer weather was on the way. But with Memorial Day just around the corner, your excitement is a reminder that it can all be a little stressful.
Of course, there are also the fun things like weekend getaways, outdoor happy hours, and backyard barbecues. But travel schedules, tight schedules, schedule changes (read: kids are out of school).help), it is easy to feel as if you are hibernating.
The problem is: Taking care of your mental health is essential all year round, no matter how sunny and breezy the weather may be. And needing a little extra support at any time of the year is nothing to be ashamed of, says neurologist and herbalist Maya Shetreat, MD.
“When we support our mental health, we find greater calm, connection and joy in our daily lives. [Plus]When stressors come together (as they likely will at any point in our lives), we can face them with more resilience, creativity, and grace as we maintain our mental health.”
To support your mental health as summer begins, see Dr. Shetreat recommends incorporating mood support supplements into your daily routine. “Historically, herbal remedies have been the approach for people needing mental health support,” says Dr. Shetreat. “Nutritional supplements can also play a key role in supporting mental health by replenishing the nutrients your nervous system needs to function effectively.”
Now, how exactly do you find the mood-boosting supplement that's right for you? Stop for a moment and think about your summer goals. Want to sleep better this season? Let’s think about our schedule more clearly. Shall we increase positive energy? Whatever your goals, The Vitamin Shoppe has a wide selection of trusted supplements that are rigorously tested for ingredient purity and potency. Depending on your specific wellness goals, Dr. Read on to see which products Shetreat recommends.
Stress Relief: L-Theanine — $45.00
This summer, stuck traffic on a Friday means nothing to you. If you have an L-theanine capsule in your glove compartment. “L-theanine is an amino acid that helps regulate emotions and helps with relaxation and sleep,” says Dr. Shetreat. “Not only is it very well tolerated by most people with little or no side effects, but the relaxing effects of L-theanine begin quickly and effectively, but with little risk of sedation or stupor.” – This is ideal for travel days. It doesn't matter what mode of transportation you use to get there.
Products to help you sleep better: Sleep Gummies — $16.00
Those of you who get hot, take a listen: Windmill Consumer Products Relaxium Sleep Gummies can help you relax during those tossing and turning summer nights. This supplement contains a blend of melatonin, vitamin D, and probiotics that help support mood and immune function, says Dr. Shetreat. “In addition to its sleep benefits, melatonin is thought to play an important role in the body and brain as a blood sugar regulator. [has its] You can benefit yourself when it comes to improving your mental health.” And when it comes to probiotics, “some species are called ‘psychobiotics’ because they have unique properties that help improve mood and reduce stress.”
Vegan Omega-3 to Help Banish Brain Fog — $43.00
If your summer weeknights seem like happy hour after happy hour, you might wake up in the morning feeling a little, ahem, relaxed. Adding Wiley's Premium Vegan Omega-3 Gummies to your morning routine will help you shake off the night before and focus on the day ahead. Dr. Shetreat says fish-free fish are rich in omega fatty acids, which help relieve lethargy and irritability. Hello, this is productivity.
To encourage calm energy: Magnesium Glycinate — $22.00
Need help relaxing after a fun day at the beach with your family or a weekend getaway just a little too close? Dr. Shetreat suggests trying Trace Minerals Research's Liquid Magnesium Glycinate, a highly absorbable form of magnesium. “I’m a big fan of daily magnesium for mental health in almost everyone,” she says. “It is a tonic that calms the nervous system, improves sleep and generally [supporting] “Mood.” Give it a try, and give yourself some grace as you maintain your mental health all summer long.