MID Devon Primary Care Trust went ?bananas? in the lead up to world mental health day this year. Workers from the trust were giving away samples of fruit and other ?good mood foods? and tips for preserving emotional well being to shoppers in Okehampton?s Red Lion Yard last weekend. The move was aimed at encouraging people to improve their mood by eating well-balanced meals, and although the topic is serious, there was also plenty of clowning around, with a street entertainer on hand to raise a smile. It was all part of preparations for world mental health day, which took place this Monday and the launch of this year?s Devon-wide MIND ?Off the Wall Comedy Festival?. Fruit and vegetables are just some of the foods known by health experts to contribute to better mental health and welbeing. Laughter too is thought to have huge health benefits. Patsy Temple, from Mid Devon PCT?s public health department, said eating ?good mood food? helped the body and mind stay well. ?The natural sugars in fruit are really good for you because they release energy slowly,? she said. ?And that helps to maintain a good mood. We are also keen to get across the benefits of laughing. After all, as the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. ?Humour also increases our ability to connect with one another.?
