MESSA’s Spring Worksite Wellness Conference: Mood Matters

Register now for this virtual event on May 12

MESSA’s Spring Worksite Wellness Conference will dive into topics relat ing to mood including exercises that stimulate your brain, how to curb emotional eating, and how to choose food that improves your disposition and your quality of life. The virtual conference takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 12.

When you hear the expression “you are what you eat,” you tend to think good food equals physically fit body — or the flip side — junk food is akin to sluggish and not‑so‑fit body. But did you know the food you eat can also directly impact your mood?

Simply put, food defines your phys ical and mental character.

“Our moods often feel out of our control but it doesn’t have to be this way,” said Dr. Deanna Minich, a nutri tion scientist who will lead the “Food & Mood” session at the conference. “While mood disorders certainly have factors beyond nutrition, food can have a profound effect on how we feel.”

Certain foods we eat have nutrients and amino acids that serve as build ing blocks for serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects mood. Serotonin carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the whole body. When low, serotonin is related to depression. Research shows ultra‑processed foods that are low in nutrients and fiber while high in sugars and fat are associated with depression. Some of the popular cul prits are frozen pizza, prepackaged soups, french fries and hot dogs.

Instead, consume more fruits and vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, fiber, vitamin B6, iron, whole grains, sea food and tryptophan to support a better disposition, Minich said.

“Trying new foods and consum ing every color of the rainbow such

2023 Spring Worksite Wellness Conference: Mood Matters

Join MESSA Health Promotion Consultant Rhonda Jones for this free virtual conference for MESSA members. MEA members in good standing can receive SCECH credit for attending.

Rhonda will share tips and strategies for starting a worksite wellness program, spotlight a worksite wellness program at a local school district, and explain how MESSA benefits support your good health.

• W hen: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday, May 12

• W here: Live on Zoom

• Registration and more information: messa.org/SpringWWC23 as plant foods that are blue, purple, green, yellow, orange and red is a great way to increase fruit and veg etable intake to support mood,” Minich said.

Improving your mood doesn’t just stop at eating the right food. You have to put in the physical work, too. Diet and exercise go hand‑in‑hand, which means moving your body to perk up your brain and boost your mood is also essential.

A session titled, “Refresh Your Brain with Mindful Movement,” will focus on how to synchronize your body and mind with movement, breath and rhythm. Simple exercises like bending your spine or swaying your arms can nourish and stimulate the brain.

“Intuitively, we all know we feel more alert, more energy, more aware when we move our bodies,” said MESSA’s Health Promotion Consultant Rhonda Jones. “Just simple movements like sitting up straight or standing increase circu lation to the brain, which can help with memory, mood and sense of well‑being.” v