We know good nutrition is vital for our wellbeing. It provides the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and energy to be able to live, grow and function.
When life gets tough (or busy), it’s easy to reach for convenience or processed foods, but often this isn’t the healthiest option, and we miss out on important nutrients which impacts our wellbeing.
Our minds and bodies are connected. Sometimes we eat because we’re upset, angry, lonely, or trying to be sociable. We can indulge in comfort eating, especially when we have been through trauma. We can also eat less (or not at all) for the same reasons.
It can be hard to maintain a healthy diet when are going through tough times.
What changes can we make to improve our nutrition and change how we feel?
Making small tweaks and changes to improve our nutrition can have significant impacts on our bodies.
- Choose healthy options by limiting processed, fatty, salty, sugary foods and focus more on fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.
- Think about the types of food you eat at certain times of the day. Is an afternoon or evening coffee impacting your sleep? Are you reaching for sugary or salty food and drink to give you a boost, only to feel lethargic soon after?
- Can you make simple meal or snack swaps to boost nutrition?
- Eat mindfully by thinking about what and how you are eating. Take your time when you eat.
- Plan ahead and try to have nutritious food available at home and at work.
These changes support our wellbeing and can help us, both physically and mentally.
What does this mean for your wellbeing after a road crash?
All of this adds up to self-care – taking care of ourselves.
Taking time every day to do the things we know are good for us (sleep, good nutrition, exercise) as well as the things we enjoy (fishing, gardening, building Lego, walking, reading), is important for our wellbeing.
Self-care also includes things we may not like doing, such as seeing the doctor, dentist, psychologist, or other health professional, or having treatments for other conditions we might be managing.
By taking care of ourselves, we can reboot our energy, relieve stress, and generally feel better.
What happens if you’re struggling with your wellbeing?
If you’re doing everything you can to look after yourself and you’re struggling, it’s important to tell someone – call a friend or family member or see a health professional if your mental and/or physical health is being impacted.
At Road Trauma Support WA, we provide free information, support, and counselling to anyone who has been affected by a road crash in Western Australia.
You can book a free appointment with us by simply calling (08) 6166 7688 or 1300 004 814 (free call) or email [email protected].