Congrats on taking this bold initiative, Marylin! Western medical science is finally paying attention to the mind-body connection with peer-reviewed research after more than a century of dismissing it. Exercise has a huge impact on our emotional well-being. Hiking, yoga, and strength training are my go-tos. Sometimes I have to drag my sorry behind through it, but I always do feel better and more physically and emotionally empowered. A healthy diet is also essential. More and more research is being done on the gut microbiome's impact on mental health. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains are super important to keep everything in balance, plus fiber helps to keep blood sugar from swinging too wildly. If you need to avoid gluten it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or a dietician to make sure you're getting complete nutrition.

Wishing you the best on your courageous journey!