A Mindful Space
CREATING A MENTAL HEALTH SANCTUARY IN YOUR HOME
According to the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, an estimated 26% of Americans over the age of 18 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. With increases in the cost of living, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising tensions in Eastern Europe, that percentage could increase even more throughout the next few years. If you’re someone who struggles with mental health, you’ve probably tried all of the traditional methods to improve your situation, but have you made any adjustments to your actual home? If you’re unsure where to begin, try out these tips. Give each room purpose. One of the biggest interior design mistakes you can make is using a room for more than one thing. This is even more important if you work remotely. Each room should have a dedicated purpose. If you work from home, your office should not be in your bedroom or even in the area where you exercise. Plan out every bit of space that you have and add personal touches to it to remind you of what’s really important in your life. Get rid of distractions. Social media, mainstream news, and cellphones as a whole can have disastrous effects on your mental health. When you’re in your home, try to minimize your use of these technologies. If you’re not using the television, keep it off. Also, try to keep your home as clean as possible because clutter and dirt can easily bring you down. TAKE A BREAK
Use natural light and calming colors. When designing your living space, try to incorporate as much natural light as possible. Regular exposure to sunlight gives you more energy, makes you happier, and even improves your appetite. If you’re painting, avoid any loud colors and use calming neutrals instead. Adding the right colors, natural light, and some plants will help create an aesthetic that will boost your mental health.
Inspired by RecipeRunner.com SWEET AND SPICY BBQ CHICKEN SKEWERS
INGREDIENTS
For the Marinade • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 3 tbsp honey • Juice of 1 lime • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Skewers • 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes • 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
DIRECTIONS
1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides!
SOLUTION
(304) 760-9500
www.NHance.com/charlestonwv
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