The leaves change, the weather gets cooler, and the scent of pumpkin spice emanates from almost every coffee shop. If those things do not indicate fall, we don’t know what will. A lot of people also spend more time indoors, due to colder weather, and that just so happens to coincide with the arrival of cold and flu season. If you like to take a more proactive approach to health, which includes strengthening the immune system, that can only benefit you this fall.

Why Prioritize Immune Health Now?

The immune system works round the clock to protect the body from harmful pathogens. There is no magic pill that guarantees full immunity, but there are many practical, science-backed methods that can help you enhance immune defense. Getting a head start on immune support is integral to having a vibrant fall and winter. Build up your resilience before you come down with the common cold or flu. Consider the following strategies to fuel your immune system this fall. 

Get Creative When You Feel Too Tired To Exercise

Movement is better than no movement at all, as physical activity improves circulation, lowers stress, and helps immune cells travel throughout the body with ease. Physical activity can also boost energy levels, enhance digestive function, and improve brain health. Sometimes, you don’t want to go to the gym or spin class on colder fall days. That’s completely fine, but it’s important to get creative in order to fit some movement into your day. That can be as simple as a 15-minute walk through the neighborhood, following a 25-minute yoga video in the living room, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Consistency is key, and even short bursts of activity can help encourage better immune function. 

Stay Hydrated

When the weather is colder, it is more common for people to avoid water. The reason for this is because they don’t feel like they need to hydrate because of the summer heat. Water works to carry nutrients to cells and helps the body flush out toxins, two processes that are vital to optimal immune function. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day (more than you think you need), you can help keep up the body’s natural defenses. You can also enhance hydration by eating water-rich foods and drinking herbal teas. Just remember that caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks can dehydrate the body. 

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; rather, it is a necessity. That is true whether you are discussing immune function, mental health, stress, or digestion. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are protective proteins that are essential for fighting inflammation and infection. Sleep experts encourage people to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. To maintain healthy sleep habits, establish a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep. Lastly, make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet to facilitate healthy sleep. 

Keep Stress Levels Down

It’s common to experience stress every now and again. Maybe your in-laws are visiting or you have $20 riding on a football game. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic, as it can actually suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Finding ways to manage stress can go a long way in keeping cortisol levels in check. Try spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that take your mind off things. If stress becomes unmanageable and overwhelming, consider talking to your primary care provider or a mental health specialist. 

Don’t Forget Hand Hygiene

This is a simple act that offers a lot of protection, yet many people neglect proper hand hygiene. Perhaps their hands come in contact with many high-touch surfaces (shopping carts, doorknobs, etc.) and then they put their hands in the eyes, mouth, or nose. If those surfaces had germs on them, those germs could then enter the body and cause infection. If you touch something dirty, take 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. That is especially true after you cough, sneeze, or use the restroom.

Fuel The Body With Nutrition

What you eat impacts your overall health, including your immune system. Health experts suggest people focus on consuming an array of colorful fruits and vegetables as a way to diversify antioxidant intake. Whole fruits and vegetables also offer integral vitamins, minerals, and compounds that encourage healthy immune function. In addition to eating the rainbow, it is best to consume: 

• Whole grains: they provide sustained energy because of the fiber content. Fiber works to enhance gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. 
• Healthy fats: essential for reducing inflammation and enhancing nutrient absorption, you can find these in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and avocado oil.
• Probiotic foods: sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, natto, and miso are all rich in probiotics, which support a healthy microbiome. A higher presence of healthy bacteria in the gut has been linked to better immune function.

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It is not uncommon for people to seek out new ways to lose weight, get fit, or become healthier overall. From eating more vegetables and exercising daily to meditating, there are many ways to be healthier. But what practices unlock optimal gut health? Health experts suggest that adopting a consistent morning routine can set your digestive system on the right path every day. 

Starting the day with poor digestive function can make you feel uncomfortable, sluggish, and tired. If gut issues become chronic, you could face more serious health issues. Prioritize a morning routine to kickstart your metabolism, regulate bowel movements, and reduce bloating. Consider the following tips to enhance gut health, optimize nutrient absorption, and prevent constipation. 

Drink Water As Soon As You Wake Up

Mornings can be very hectic, and it is very easy to go straight for the caffeine if you feel very tired. You don’t need to start your day with an Instagram-worthy breakfast, but you should at least make it a point to drink 16 ounces of water before you put anything else in your body. Not only does this put you on a path to avoid dehydration, but it also positively affects the lining of the intestine. Studies show that properly hydrating can help prevent constipation and help the body break down food in the stomach. Ideally, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water throughout the day, but starting the day with 16 ounces is the way to set your digestive system up for success.

Engage In Gentle Movement

You do not have to engage in an intense interval workout first thing in the morning. In fact, most people don’t have the energy for that upon arising from a deep slumber. Try your best to incorporate 15 to 30 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise into your morning routine. Gastroenterologists agree that colorectal cancer (the second most lethal form of cancer in the U.S.) cases are on the rise. They encourage people to move their body to avoid health risks that stem from constipation and other serious digestive disorders. 

Eat A Balanced Breakfast

A lot of people are confused on what a balanced breakfast looks like. To some, a balanced breakfast is an egg on toast with some tomatoes and a glass of milk. To others, a balanced breakfast is a sugary bowl of packaged oatmeal. Ideally, you consume a variety of foods that contain healthy fats, fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Consider plain Greek yogurt mixed with almond butter and fresh berries. A fruit and vegetable smoothie is another great breakfast option. Steel cut oats with almond butter and diced apples is another option. Avoid processed foods like frozen waffles and refined, sugary carbs, such as white bread, donuts, and packaged baked goods. A nutrient-rich breakfast helps feed the good bacteria in the gut, which not only fuels the digestive system, but also keeps you energized and full until your next meal.

Drink Lemon Water Before Your Coffee

As we mentioned earlier in this article, it is best to start your day with 16 ounces of water. The next step could be drinking a cup of warm water mixed with the juice of half of a lemon. Sip this slowly and do not gulp it down for maximum benefits. Drinking lemon water can help stimulate bile production, which helps the body break down fats. It can also alkalize the body to reduce gut inflammation, while simultaneously hydrating the intestines for smoother, easier bowel movements. 

Practice Deep Breathing Before You Eat

Before you eat your healthy, balanced breakfast, make sure to engage in some deep breathing exercises. Stress can interfere with optimal digestive function, as it triggers gut-brain axis dysfunction. This can commonly lead to indigestion, so we encourage you to try five minutes of diaphragmatic breathing for five minutes before you eat.

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Pooping is something everyone does on a daily basis, ideally once or twice per day, but nobody wants to talk about it. We love to talk about it! If you aren’t eliminating on a regular basis, then something is going on, be it poor eating habits, insufficient exercise, stress, or a digestive problem. Whatever the case may be, it can be quite frustrating (and painful) if you cannot poop.

According to available data, constipation affects 18% of adults in the United States. It is a common issue that people of all ages can experience and it has various causes. Lack of fiber, delaying bowel movements, traveling, certain medications, and hormonal changes can all cause constipation. It can also be a symptom of other health conditions and some common symptoms include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Feeling like you still need to eliminate after using the toilet

What you eat can have a big impact on digestive function. Certain foods can also help you improve symptoms of constipation. Foods that are naturally rich in fiber, fluids, and natural laxatives can make stool easier to eliminate. Enjoy the following foods to help stimulate bowel movements. 

Mangos

The mango is a juicy, tropical fruit that is a staple in many smoothie, dessert, and salad recipes. You can also cube it up to use it as a topping for acai bowls or chia pudding recipes. According to several studies, mangos can aid with constipation relief. Mangos are naturally rich in fiber, which adds bulk to stool, allowing it to move more easily through the digestive system. One study found that participants who ate 300 grams of mango (about one to two mangos) per day over four weeks saw an improvement in constipation. 

Kiwi

As a vitamin C superstar, kiwi is an excellent fruit to help boost immune function. It may also be an effective constipation remedy, as it is naturally rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps optimize gut microbiome, while insoluble fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements, but you can click here to learn more about the difference between them. Several studies indicate that kiwis work to improve complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs), bowel habits, and transit time. Researchers attribute the constipation relieving abilities to the fiber content in kiwis. Another study found that eating two kiwis per day can reduce abdominal discomfort and improve constipation. 

Figs

These soft, sweet, fruits are not for everyone, but they do help relieve symptoms of constipation. They are less popular than apples and prunes for improving bowel movements, but studies show that fig paste can improve transit time and stool consistency. One study monitored people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who ate four dried figs per day reported a decrease in symptoms of constipation, including hard stools, compared to those who ate a placebo. 

Apples

According to surveys, apples are the most consumed fruit in the United States. They are naturally rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that works to improve the transit time of food in the digestive system. Pectin helps to absorb water in the digestive tract, which creates larger, softer stools that are easier to eliminate. Researchers note that supplementing with pectin can increase colon transit time and decrease constipation symptoms. 

Prunes

Potentially one of the most effective constipation remedies, prunes are rich in fiber and sorbitol, making them a natural laxative that can stimulate bowel movements. Studies indicate that prunes significantly improve stool consistency and increase the number of CSBMs when compared to psyllium, another form of soluble fiber that is occasionally used as a laxative. 

Psyllium

To round out the list of foods that help you poop, we have psyllium. Psyllium can come in husk or powder form, and supplement manufacturers use it in laxatives because it increases the bulk of stool. It does this by drawing in water to ease the passage of stool. According to several studies, psyllium can reduce straining, improve stool frequency and consistency, and reduce stomach pain. Although psyllium isn’t as effective as prunes, it is a natural laxative to experiment with if you have a prune allergy. 

Still need a little help encouraging a bowel movement? Consider our Bowel Motion formula, which contains herbs designed to alleviate bloating and gas. It also stimulates peristalsis and helps maintain regular bowel movements.

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At Dherbs, we receive a lot of questions related to cleansing, most of which are about diet. People want to know what they can and cannot eat while cleansing. Another common question is, “Can I workout while cleansing?” It is completely fine to exercise while cleansing, but you have to be more in tune with your body while doing so. Allow your body the time, room, and space it requires to digest, process, reset, and restore, especially regarding its natural capabilities and functions. 

If you are a fitness enthusiast and love getting in a good workout, you may be tempted to give it your all while cleansing. Remember that you are not eating as many calories and have to listen to your body, so as not to push it too much. Ideally, engage in light- to moderate-intensity physical activity. Aerobic exercise tends with light strength training is what we usually recommend, as both promote detoxification via sweat, lymphatic drainage, and healthy circulation. 

Tailor Exercise To Your Cleanse

While cleansing, choose the right intensity and type of exercise that supports your body. The last thing you want to do is put undue stress on a body that is out of its element. Low-impact activities, such as yoga, walking, gentle Pilates, swimming, and biking, are great options. These exercises help maintain a steady heart rate while promoting stress reduction. If you want to focus on mindfulness during your cleanse, consider focusing on yoga, Tai Chi, and stretching. 

Always Listen To The Body

Since you have to follow a raw vegan diet, you are not consuming as many calories as you would outside the cleanse. That isn’t to say that you eat an unhealthy diet, but it is to say that most foods in the American diet are calorically dense. Some people who cleanse may have more energy than others. If you feel up to it, engage in a more strenuous workout that gets your  blood pumping. Just make sure to listen to your body and strike a balance between feeling drained and revitalized. 

Measure Progress And Celebrate Achievements

It is very common to notice changes in the body while cleansing. You may notice that your skin looks clearer and that your mind isn’t as foggy. We hope you notice some weight loss if that is your goal! Keep track of your progress, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Celebrate the wins, even the small ones, such as completing a yoga flow or walking an extra mile. A positive mindset goes a long way in helping you succeed while cleansing. 

Always Hydrate

You will be drinking more water than usual while cleansing, but pay extra attention to water intake when exercising. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to support the detoxification process and prevent dehydration. Additionally, fuel the body with nutrient-dense foods before and after the workout to encourage energy and muscle repair. Leafy greens, chia pudding, nuts, energy balls, and smoothies can be great options to provide energy. 

Embrace Movement

Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or building on your love of exercise, one thing is for certain: movement is better than no movement at all. When you exercise regularly, you can enhance your metabolism, which increases the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Plus, engaging in low-impact workouts can help reduce inflammation, promote better digestion, and improve sleep quality.

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What do we know about pooping? Well, we know that maintaining regular bowel movements is a key indicator of good digestive health. The frequency of bowel movements, however, can vary widely among people. When you understand what constitutes “normal” bowel habits, you can make the necessary changes or seek medical advice to maintain optimal digestion. So how often should you poop? Continue reading to find out. 

How Often Should You Poop?

Bowel frequency is an interesting topic of conversation. Many health experts suggest that it is perfectly normal to have anywhere from three bowel movements per day to three per week. One study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology confirmed that information, regardless of age or gender. There is also no general answer for how often you should poop, but people tend to have their daily bowel movement habits. If you poop three times per week or less, something is going on. We always say that eliminating between one to three times per day is an indication of optimal digestive health.

What Affects Poop Frequency?

Hydration

When you drink enough water, your stool softens and becomes easier to pass. That is why staying hydrated is an important factor for maintaining regular bowel movements. According to research, increasing your fiber and fluid intake can significantly enhance stool frequency. One study showed that participants who consumed 25 grams of fiber daily, in addition to two liters of water, showed greater improvements in stool frequency than those with lower fiber and fluid intake. 

Stress

Emotional stress and poor mental health can actually alter your bowel habits and affect frequency. Research suggests that psychological stress can influence functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A little stress can make it more difficult to empty the stomach, which stimulates colonic transit. That ultimately leads to alterations in stool consistency and frequency. Another study involved 10- to 16-year-olds and found that exposure to stressful life events was linked to bowel movements that occurred less than three times per week. Additionally, those bowel movements were often painful or strained. More research on children between the ages of nine and 10 found that psychological stress and negative family factors increased the rate of constipation. 

Physical Activity

It is well-documented that regular exercise stimulates peristalsis, the intestinal contractions that encourage bowel movements. One analysis found that vigorous exercise positively influenced women, but results were mixed among male participants. Another study found that moderate exercise, such as cycling or jogging, accelerated gut transit time, but did not alter stool weight or frequency. Additionally, a Nurses’ Health Study suggests that daily physical activity can lower the risk of constipation. 

Diet

Increasing fiber intake from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can influence stool frequency. It is rather unsurprising, then, that vegetarian and vegans tend to have more frequent bowel movements than meat-eaters. That isn’t to say that all vegans and vegetarians have optimal regularity, but they do tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains than meat-eaters. Another study found that increasing fiber intake increased stool frequency and made stool softer. Vegans with the highest fiber intake experience the most frequent bowel movements, even more than vegetarians and omnivores.  

What Does The Consistency Of Your Pooping Mean?

Both the consistency and frequency of stool is integral to overall health. The Bristol Stool Form Scale classifies stool types from 1 (hard lumps) to 7 (watery liquid). You want to be somewhere around type 3 or 4, which is considered normal. These types are well-formed stools that are easy to pass, meaning they are soft and sausage- or snake-like. You can support healthy pooping by: 

• Stay hydrated: drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get. 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day.
• Exercise regularly: Movement leads to movement, if you catch our drift. Walking, jogging, swimming, and other forms of light to moderate exercise can benefit your digestive health. 
• Increase fiber intake: Ideally, aim to consume 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Aim to get your fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. 
• Manage your stress: Experiment with different stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote healthy bowel movements.

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Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. Everyone can do it anywhere, any time. This form of exercise may not be as impactful as a full-body, high-intensity interval workout or long distance run, but walking does do surprising wonders for the body. Walking aims to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving circulation. Walking also benefits your mental health, releasing endorphins that boost your mood to improve the overall mental state. 

There is something to be said about getting out of the house or office to go for a walk. It’s like a release that frees your mind and body from the confines of home or work. Research confirms that changing scenery, especially if you can see nature, has positive effects on mental health. As far as from a physical standpoint, walking in the middle of the day can help reduce the risk of lower back and knee pain, particularly if you do it on a regular basis. 

It is very exciting to see more and more research emerging about the benefits of walking. Ideally, you should aim to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, which basically means each walk can last 30 minutes. Aim for about 5,000 steps or more per day. If you regularly hit that mark, consider the following tips to make your walk more effective. 

Try Interval Jogging Or Speed Walking

If you don’t want to engage in a full 30-minute jog, consider incorporating a faster pace at select times during your daily walk. Health experts suggest that doing interval-based training during your walk can improve cardiovascular health. You can walk for two minutes and then speed walk for 30 seconds to one minute. Continue alternating between walking and fast walking, or even light jogging, and you will notice the difference in how your body feels. You can increase the interval times as your body adjusts to the new walking regimen. 

Walk Along A Hilly Path

Sure, walking on flat ground is perfectly fine, especially if you have knee or foot issues. Walking downhill can help improve muscle strength in your lower extremities, in addition to reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. If you don’t have hiking trails accessible to you, find a hilly neighborhood and you’ll be good to go. Interestingly enough, walking downhill puts less stress on your breathing and heart rate. Walking uphill, on the other hand, challenges the cardiovascular system and can benefit people with knee problems. No matter if you are going downhill or uphill, remain consistent with your routine so that your body can get used to walking in hilly areas. Lastly, don’t be afraid to return to a flatter path every now and again to make life easier on yourself. 

Maintain A Quick Walking Pace

Movement is better than no movement at all, but walking at a snail’s pace will not enhance your walk. Walking briskly counts toward your 150 minutes of moderately-intense aerobic activity that health experts recommend. It can be tricky to know your heart rate during your walk, but a great way to keep up the quick pace is by listening to upbeat music. Push yourself by listening to songs that are at least 100 beats per minute (BPM) and you will move with the music. You can search the web or streaming platforms for songs with that BPM. If that pace is a little too quick for you, you can slow down every other song to help maintain consistency. The last thing you want to do is stop walking!

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No matter how old you are, a fall can affect your quality of life. It all depends on how you fall and the surface on which you fall. When you are over the age of 65, though, even minor falls can result in major injuries, such as hip fractures, head trauma, or broken bones. One report found that one in four older adults fall annually within the United States. After you fall once, your chances of falling again double. 

Besides compromising independence and quality of life, falls can bring about financial worry. That all depends on the extent of care that you require while recovering from the fall. The following tips can help you reduce your risk of falls, whether you are at home, a care facility, or out and about. 

Fall-Proof Your Home

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that most falls occur within the home. Fall-proofing the home doesn’t mean that you have to do extensive renovations or anything like that. There are simple changes you can make, such as the following:

• Add better lighting
• Increase the placement of light controls to avoid walking to switches
• Keep walking areas free of clutter
• Install railings on both sides of any stairs/steps
• Mount grab bars in high slip areas, such as the bathroom
• Use motion- or voice-activated electronics
• Place cookware and high use items in places that are easy to reach
• Use night lights
• Attach carpets firmly to the floor with nonslip pads
• Wear nonslip footwear
• Secure cords out of the way
• Maximize open space by rearranging your furniture

Keep Your Hands Free

Your hands are some of the best tools you have for keeping you upright. If you stumble, you instinctively reach out to grab onto something for stability. Unfortunately, that is also why a lot of people break their hands and wrists. They attempt to brace themselves on the ground, instead of rolling. That said, keeping your hands free means that you can easily grab onto something if you lose balance. Keep your hands available at all times by using backpacks or shoulder bags when possible. Consider taking more trips to and from the car if you buy groceries, only carrying one or two things at a time. You can also use a grocery delivery service that brings items straight to your door.

Engage In Balance And Strength Training Exercises

As you age, your physical capabilities decline. Available data suggests that muscle mass loss occurs at about 1% annually, with up to 50% loss by the age of 80. Some older adults also develop sarcopenia, a musculoskeletal disorder that causes declines in muscle mass, performance, and strength beyond what occurs as part of the natural aging process. The body changes with the decrease in strength, which is why balance worsens. For this reason, it is beneficial to keep up with balance, strength training, and cardiovascular exercises. Doing various movements that encourage core strength can help you maintain strength and stability. 

Improve Sleep Hygiene

According to researchers, poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of falling across many age groups. Poor sleep can cause daytime sleepiness, attention problems, and poor balance, all of which increase the risk of falling. There are many ways to improve your sleep, but some common recommendations are listed below:

• Limit screen time or blue light exposure at least one to two hours before bed
• Stick to a pre-sleep routine
• Go to bed and wake up around the same time every day
• Skip caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bed
• Limit daytime naps, especially those in the late afternoon
• Go to bed only if you are tired
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and peaceful
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a neighborhood walk

Use Support Equipment

Canes, rollators (a type of walker), scooters, and regular walkers can be useful supportive devices that reduce falls. Within recent decades, mobility devices have made substantial improvements. Walkers are very lightweight and easily transportable. Newer scooters are now capable of higher speeds and smoother movement on uneven terrain. A walking cane can also encourage you to stay active, while providing support at the same time. If you love animals, consider getting a service dog to improve quality of life.

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If ever there was a duo to boost digestive function, it is pineapple and papaya. These two tropical fruits, while incredibly bright and delicious, offer impressive health benefits, specifically for immune, skin, and digestive health. Given that papaya is a classic summer fruit, there is no better time to get your hands one for this smoothie. Pineapple is considered a spring and summer fruit, despite the fact that they are typically available throughout the year. During the summer, though, you may notice that the price of a pineapple goes down, meaning it is in season.

You’ll love this smoothie for several reasons, primarily because of the refreshing tropical flavors and nutritional content. We are talking nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and an array of antioxidants. The omega-3s and protein come primarily from flaxseeds, which also offer a great nutty flavor. As a pro tip, make sure to use ground flaxseed, as the whole seeds may not properly blend with smoothie ingredients. Flaxseed also offers beneficial fiber, helping to ensure regular bowel movements. The smoothie also contains coconut oil, which offers healthy fats and makes the smoothie more filling. Not into adding coconut oil to your smoothie? Feel free to add the same amount of raw almond butter instead!

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Too often does stretching get overlooked, even for people who regularly frequent the gym. Everyone wants to show off their gains, but showing off flexibility and mobility is equally as important. Mobility is understated, especially for seniors and elderly adults. The reality is that the ability to move with ease is not fully appreciated until your movement is restricted. 

There are certain challenges that come with limited mobility, most of which are more noticeable in older age. For this reason, most people relate mobility and the elderly to a rehabilitation setting, i.e. physical therapy. Mobility training for older adults (or even younger and middle-aged adults) is not exclusive to medical clinics or rehabs. You can engage in mobility and flexibility training in the gym, outside in the park, or in the comfort of your own home. 

Stretching works to release muscle tension and soreness, helping you reduce the risk of injury. It may also aid with better muscle control, balance, coordination, and circulation. Consider the following stretches to improve both flexibility and mobility. 

Chest Stretch

You can stretch your chest by sitting or standing up straight and extending both arms to the side, palms facing forward. Reach your hands back, as if someone is pulling your arms, until you feel a stretch across your chest and along the front of your arms. Should you have difficulty holding your arms up and out to the sides, you can use a wall to stretch your chest. Place your right hand on a wall and step forward until you feel a stretch in your right pectoral muscle. Switch sides and make sure not to overstretch. 

Neck Stretch

Sit or stand up straight and elongate the spine. Stretch the back of your neck by slowly bringing your chin to your chest. Breathe deeply for about 10 seconds in this position and then roll your head to each side, holding each position for 10-15 seconds. 

Upper Arm And Shoulder Stretch

Begin by sitting or standing up straight and hold a towel in your right hand. Extend your right arm overhead and let the towel drip down behind your back. Grab the other end of the towel with your left hand and pull down gently, bending your right arm until you feel a stretch along your tricep and outside of the shoulder. Hold for five deep breaths and then repeat on the other side. 

Hamstring Stretch

Lie flat on your back and straighten your legs. Extend your right leg up perpendicular to the body and keep the sole of your foot facing the ceiling. Interlace your fingers behind your right leg and pull it toward you, keeping your left leg, hip, and lower back flat on the ground. Stretch until you reach about a six or seven on the scale of intensity and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat on the other leg. 

Ankle Stretch

Begin by sitting up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Begin by moving your foot up and down and side to side, holding each position for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat on the other foot.

External Hip Rotation

Begin by lying flat on your back with both knees bent. Plant your feet flat on the floor before lifting your right foot off the floor and closing it over your left thigh, just above the knee. Your right knee should be out to the side and your legs should look like a figure four. You can hold that position if you feel a stretch, or deepen the stretch by grabbing behind your left hamstring and pulling your left leg closer to you. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other leg. 

Lower Back Stretch

Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet together, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Keep your knees together as you lower your legs to the left side, twisting your torso until you feel a stretch. Look to your right and keep your shoulder flat on the ground. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

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Pride Month is a chance to celebrate the community, acceptance, and equality of LGBTQIA+ people. There are parades, events, parties, and more all over the world during Pride Month. It’s safe to say that this month can positively affect mental health by bringing more LGBTQIA+ people together as one community. The idea is that these celebrations bring hope for a brighter future, one that is united for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. 

What Is Pride Month?

It was 1969 and the sun was shining…In all seriousness, Pride Month started with the Stonewall uprising in 1969. These protests were in response to police raids in gay bars in New York. These raids took place due to discrimination and persecution against the LGBTQIA+ community. After the Stonewall uprising, the first Pride Rally in the United Kingdom took place a few years later in London, England. 

Every June, Pride Month honors the history of Stonewall and the activism it sparked to push LGBTQIA+ rights to the place where they are today. Although Pride Month is somewhat of a mild protest, it is truly a movement, a chance for people to fight for equality and stand on the shoulders of the activists who came before them. Additionally, Pride Month is a celebration of the spaces that members of the LGBTQIA+ community can share. It’s hugely helpful, empowering, and a way to recognize queer lives. And the biggest benefit is that people of the LGBTQIA+ community get to unite together and remember that they are not alone.

The Context Of Pride Month And Mental Health

Mental health is important, regardless of the time of year or specific celebratory month. Regarding Pride Month, though, there has been a lot of discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community, and that still exists to this day. The rights for LGBTQIA+ members are still ongoing, and Pride Month continues to be somewhat of a catalyst for positive change and equality. 

It is often the joyous times and celebratory nature of Pride Month that benefit people of the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, the inclusion and unified efforts help combat social isolation, low self-esteem, and the homophobic or transphobic political stances in the media. It is truly sad that people still have these hateful or negative views toward the LGBTQIA+. 

A lot of LGBTQIA+ activists have observed two interesting things regarding Pride Month. The first is that the fight for equality and rights can be quickly weaponized against them. The second is that LGBTQIA+ people often dim their internal light for safety, depending on the setting, situation, or surrounding people. 

How Can Pride Month Enhance Mental Health In The LGBTQIA+ Community?

Whether it’s a publicized goal or not, Pride Month brings together the LGBTQIA+ community and all its diversity. There is beauty in diversity and community, but it can be tough for people to individually navigate their own isolation. Many organizations and peer spaces are available to the LGBTQIA+ community and are there for people, in good times and bad. 

Pride Month also helps undo what the negative media puts out against the community. A lot of people who may not be “out” yet or struggle with their own gender identity or sexuality. Pride Month, then, serves as a space of solidarity for those still living in the closet. 

At the end of the day, Pride Month is a time of acceptance, despite whatever homophobia, transphobia, or biphobia still exists in the world. It is for the LGBTQIA+ community, but allyship can help advance community efforts. Families and friends of LGBTQIA+ community members can help participate in events and empower everyone. Being a great ally can help advance the community, but it also means that you learn more about the issues that affect the LGBTQIA+ community. You are there for the people in your life who require support!

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