As the duchess says in the short video, "Mental health is how we feel and think—things that can't really be seen but affect us every day." We love that the wellness world is shifting focus from merely our physical states to consider our mental and emotional ones as well. After all, they are linked in more ways than you'd realize (one study even links your digestive tract health, specifically your gut bacteria, to anxiety). When notable figures like the Duchess of Cambridge bring awareness to mental health, even through a short video message, it only encourages this shift.
It's also important that this message is targeted toward children. The importance of self-care and nurturing your emotional and mental state is better learned early. It also might prevent young people from feeling ashamed or secretive about it, thus perpetuating the stigma. All good things, yes? Hopefully, we'll hear more from Middleton about mental health and emotional transparency in months to come. In the meantime, take this as a reminder to practice a few of your favorite wellness rituals, whether that's something as simple as journaling, practicing a yoga flow, or drinking a hot cup of tea.
