YPMH: The Foundation For Young People's Mental Health

📚 Smart lunch ideas for #backtoschool, to boost mental wellbeing and gut health!   As students, teachers and other staff members head back to school, packing a lunch that supports both mental wellbeing and gut health is key. Incorporating a variety of plant-based snacks not only helps meet the “30+ plants per week” goal but also provides essential nutrients for a balanced mood and effective digestion.   Here are some nutritious choices: 🥜Mixed Nuts and Seeds • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, such as walnuts, support brain health and mood, plus provide fibre for gut health. 🍎🥕 Fresh Fruit and Veggie Sticks • Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these help reduce chronic inflammation and improve cognitive function, while contributing to 30+ plants per week. 🍓 Greek Yoghurt with Berries • Offers probiotics for a healthy gut microbiome, and berries add antioxidants and fibre. 🥑 Hummus with Whole Grain Crackers • Plant-based protein and fibre in hummus and sustained energy from whole grain crackers support gut health and mental focus. 🥣 Chia Seed Pudding • Full of omega-3s and fibre, chia seeds help maintain a healthy gut and brain function.   What's your favourite mentally healthful snack?   To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/44VYx3U   #BackToSchool #HealthyLunchBox #MentalWellbeing #GutHealth #30PlantsPerWeek #NutritiousSnacks

Join us in celebrating #InternationalDayofCharity! 🌟   At YPMH, our mission is to enhance the lives of young people by fostering innovative approaches to mental health. As we mark International Day of Charity, here are some easy ways you can fundraise for us and make a difference:   🍰 Bake sale: Host a healthy bake sale at your office or community centre. Every penny raised helps us accelerate innovative mental health solutions.  🎟️ Raffle: Organise a raffle with exciting prizes. It’s a great way to engage your network and raise vital funds.  🏃♀️ Sponsored exercise challenge: Organise a sponsored hike or run in your local area. It’s a great way to get active, connect with others, and raise awareness about mental health. Every step counts!  💪 Workplace challenge: Launch a fun workplace challenge, such as a fitness competition or trivia quiz, to foster team spirit and support our cause.    Every effort you make helps us work towards a future where mental health problems are significantly reduced in prevalence and severity. A huge thank you from everyone at YPMH to our amazing fundraisers and volunteers. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for young people❤️ To learn more, visit www.ypmh.org/support-us   #InternationalDayOfCharity #MentalHealth #Fundraising #YoungPeople #MakeADifference

📚 As the new school year begins, it’s important to remember that what we eat can have a big impact on our mental wellbeing. A balanced diet not only fuels the body but also supports a healthy mind, helping students stay focused and positive throughout the day.   🥦The Science Behind Nutrition🥦 • Boosts brain power: Nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in vitamins B6, B12, and folate, like leafy greens and lean proteins, support neurotransmitter function, improving memory and cognitive abilities. • Supports mood stability: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, help reduce inflammation and support the production of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. • Promotes gut health: A healthy gut, populated by diverse beneficial bacteria, is linked to improved mental health. Eat 30 different plant types each week, including fibre-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, and fresh produce act as prebiotics, feeding these good bacteria and enhancing gut-brain communication.   🔄 Make the switch: Swap out ultra-processed foods for minimally processed options. Ultra-processed foods are often packed with sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives that can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and mood instability. Minimally processed foods, on the other hand, retain essential nutrients that support steady energy levels, balanced mood, and overall mental wellbeing   Encourage students to make smarter food choices this school year! Balanced nutrition not only helps them perform better academically but also supports their emotional and mental health.   To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/44VYx3U    #BackToSchool #MentalWellbeing #HealthyEating #NutritionScience #YPMH

🎉He’s done it! Peter has successfully completed the #TransPyreneesCyclingChallenge! 🚵♂️ Day 5: Peter cycled 70 miles (112 km) with 2,600m of ascent from Bossost to St Girons. He conquered Col de Mente, Col de Portet d’Aspet, and Col de la Core. Day 6: The ride from St Girons to Ax-les-Thermes covered 68 miles (110 km) with 2,400m ascent, including Col de Port, Route des Corniches, and Col de Chioula. A well-deserved soak in the thermal baths capped off the day. Day 7: Peter tackled 61 miles (98 km) with 2,500m ascent from Ax-les-Thermes to Prades, climbing Port de Pailheres and Col de Jau before descending into Prades. Day 8: The final stretch, 43 miles (69 km) with 400m ascent, took him from Prades to Port-Vendres. A beautiful coastal ride and a celebratory dip in the Mediterranean wrapped up the challenge. This inspiring challenge was all in aid of raising funds for #youngpeoplesmentalhealth. We work to improve the lives of young people by facilitating innovative approaches to resolve mental health conditions. Thank you for your support! Your support can make a difference! Every donation, big or small, supports our mission and brings us closer to our goal: https://bit.ly/4bqgr0d If you've been inspired by Peter's challenge and want to fundraise for us, visit, https://lnkd.in/ep7an88u to find out more. #MindOverMountaints #CyclingChallenge #MentalHealthAwareness #Fundraising #PedallingForYoungPeoplesMentalHealth

Fact: Your body doesn’t adapt to a lack of sleep, and it can take a toll. 🛌💤 Even if daytime sleepiness seems to level out, your body isn’t at its best. Long-term sleep deprivation can mess with your metabolism, hormone production, and mental health. Prioritise sleep for a healthier, happier you! 🌟 Learn more about the link with depression and sleep visit: https://lnkd.in/e36fiwPR #YPMH #sleephabits #mentalhealth

🚴♂️ We’re halfway through Peter’s epic #TransPyreneesCyclingChallenge! Here’s a look at what he’s achieved so far: Day 2: From Montory to Argeles Gazost—62 miles/100 km, with a 2,900m ascent. Peter faced the Col de Marie Blanque and the classic Col d’Aubisque, conquering big climbs and breathtaking views. 🌄 Day 3: Cycling from Argeles Gazost to St Lary Soulan—56 miles/90 km, and an ascent of 2,700m. A highlight was the iconic Col du Tourmalet, the highest point of the tour at 2,115m. 🏔️ Day 4: Peter rode from St Lary Soulan to Bossost—39 miles/63 km, ascending 1,950m. He tackled Col de Peyresourde and Col du Portillon, finishing with a swift descent into the Catalonian town of Bossost. 🚴♂️ We thank everyone for their donations so far and support in raising awareness for young people's mental health. 🌟 If you're feeling inspired, there's still time to donate! Visit: https://bit.ly/4bqgr0d #MindOverMountains #PedallingForYoungPeoplesMentalHealth #YPMH #mentalhealthawareness

And we're off! 🚴♂️ Day 1 of Peter's #TransPyreneesCyclingChallenge. The journey starts from St Jean de Luz to Montory—covering 75 miles/120 km with an ascent of approximately 1,850 meters. It's set to be a wonderful introduction to the Pyrenees, passing through beautiful Basque villages known for their traditional colouring and architecture. 🚵♂️ Good luck Peter! Every donation can help us accelerate innovative research into supporting young people's mental health: https://bit.ly/4bqgr0d #MindOverMountains #CyclingAdventure #Day1 #PedallingForYoungPeoplesMentalHealth #YPMH

Is the thought of heading back to university or starting a post-grad job keeping you up at night? While both diet and sleep are complex, certain foods can help promote a better night's sleep and prepare you for this new chapter. Kiwis: Green kiwis are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, that can improve sleep quality. Their antioxidant properties help reduce chronic inflammation, potentially aiding in better rest. Oily fish: Rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish can help regulate serotonin, a key hormone for sleep. Almonds: Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews contain melatonin, omega-3s, zinc, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep. Turkey: High in tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts serotonin and melatonin production, turkey can have a drowsiness-inducing effect. Chamomile tea: This tea is loaded with flavones, antioxidants that reduce inflammation, and apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to brain receptors to promote sleepiness. Incorporate these foods into your diet to improve your sleep as you embark on this exciting new journey. Prioritise your wellbeing to ensure you're rested and ready to take on the challenges ahead. #BackToUniversity #NewJob #BetterSleep #HealthyEating #SleepWell #Nutrition #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance

#exercise is not only crucial for our physical health but also serves as a powerful boost for our #mentalwellbeing! 🧠 Regular physical activity can reduce stress hormones, improve brain health, lower chronic inflammation, and enhance self-esteem. Here are some tips to help you make exercise a consistent part of your life: Incorporate it into your daily routine 🗓️ Get up a little earlier ⏰ Start slowly 🚶♂️ Choose what you enjoy 💃 Turn your commute into a workout 🚴♀️ Celebrate small wins 🎉 Ready to get moving? Share your favourite ways to stay active! #MentalHealth #HealthyHabits #MoveMore #YPMH

🚨 The countdown is on! With just 1 week remaining, Peter is gearing up for his challenging trek across the Pyrenees to raise funds for #YoungPeoplesMentalHealth. 🌄🚵♂️ If you haven’t had the chance to donate yet, there’s still time to contribute and help to reach his fundraising goal. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us accelerate innovative research into mental health for young people. To donate, visit: https://bit.ly/4bqgr0d 💚🙌 #MindOverMountains #PedallingForYoungPeoplesMentalHealth #CyclingChallenge #TransPyreneesCyclingChallenge