F.E.E.L. Better Than Yesterday

By Sorrin Garcia

Despite living with a heart murmur, panic attacks, anxiety disorder, and depression, I am still living my best life everyday. The reason for this is : F.E.E.L. Better Than Yesterday, a platform dedicated to providing individuals the steps necessary to be their best self everyday. No one's health journey is a straight line. Rather it is a path with twists and turns and needs for adaptability. F.E.E.L Better Than Yesterday meets every Arizonan where they are and helps them to take the first steps towards greatness. 

I, like the majority of adolescents, never had any instruction on mental health and limited information on physical health during my early years. I am working to change that. Over the past few years I have created a health and wellness call to action plan to share with students, teachers, community members as well as social media platforms. This plan can benefit anyone struggling to take those first steps to better health. 

F.E.E.L. Better Than Yesterday: 

F = Find a cause 

E = Exercise 

E = Eat right 

L = Let someone know 

Find a Cause. Research shows that volunteering increases happiness while decreasing stress, thus improving your overall mental health. Both in person and digitally I promote local volunteer opportunities while challenging young people to find their cause. My “Find a cause Friday,” series highlights causes individuals, groups, and families and has reached 2,200 people and counting. 

Exercise. Only 30 minutes 5 times a week helps to manage or prevent numerous health problems while improving cognitive function. I always encourage people to find the activities they enjoy, which make it more likely they will continue. Through my senior workout classes, I expose residents to fun exercises to get them moving while improving their overall livelihood. 

Eat right. I encourage people to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein and added carbohydrates, and fats. I let people know food should be tasty and no food is off limits. Sharing books with young students about food is one of my favorite ways to teach about nutrition. I even published my own book “Delicious yet Nutritious” and share its message with classrooms and health fairs. 

Let someone know. Finding people you can trust is crucial to your physical and mental health. This is why I provide a list of possible supports and daily “FEEL Better Than Yesterday Cards” to everyone. Sharing feelings and thoughts can be scary and stressful. By providing ideas to help overcome difficulties, I am encouraging conversation starters, journaling or practicing conversations first. 

Ultimately, F.E.E.L. Better Than Yesterday provides a comprehensive outline for people of all ages to maximize their overall health and wellbeing. For more information on healthy living, follow @FeelBetterThanYesterday on Instagram.

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Sorrin Garcia is the current Miss Cactus Blossom (AZ). You can follow her on her title's Instagram as well as her CSI's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.