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When it comes to easing stress, I’ve tried everything — the holistic, homeopathic, nutritional, lifestyle. You name it, I’ve tried it (and probably still do it). I meditate every morning, teach and practice yoga, and like to think I have a solid handle on the neuroses I was blessed with at birth. Still, 2020 destabilized any consistent sense of calm I had maintained before. Tack on the typical stressors of the holiday season to the uncertainty of this year, and suddenly I found myself in the midst of daily anxiety that was starting to feel like my new normal.
So when I first heard about PYM’s Mood Chews, I was skeptical of their ability to battle this newfound stress. PYM, which stands for “Prepare Your Mind,” was founded by Zak Williams, the son of late comedy god Robin Williams, along with his wife, Olivia June. Williams, in coping with the passing of his father, wanted to bring more awareness to mental health and introduce a salve for anxiety, stress, and depression. He attempted to cope the way our culture often pushes us to -- with alcohol, CBD, and other similar (often surface) solutions -- and knew there had to be a better way. An authentic, important mission and a small chew that promises to melt away my stress? Count me in for PYM.
A Big Promise In A Pretty Package
PYM’s Mood Chews come in a small, colorful tin, hinting at a joyful punch. The actual chews reminded me of the endless chewable vitamins available at any health food store, and made me think: if I so readily take supplements to ensure I have high enough levels of Vitamin D or C, why hadn’t I ever thought to try the same with active ingredients that could support my mental and emotional well-being?
Through his own healing journey in coping with depression and anxiety after his father’s passing, Zak Williams created PYM with a combination of adaptogens and amino acid complexes that work to help regulate good brain chemicals and ease stress. PYM has just three simple active ingredients: GABA, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that alleviates anxiety and boosts your mood; L-Theanine, which helps with cognitive focus and relaxation; and Rhodiola, an adaptogen that supports depression and neuroprotection. Translation: all three are natural and effective ingredients that combat stress, depression, and anxiety.
So -- Does It Work?
To be transparent, I didn’t expect to notice much of a difference from one or two Mood Chews (the recommended dose) -- as I mentioned earlier, I’ve done everything when it comes to alleviating my anxieties. I first tried two at night, prior to my wind-down skincare routine and bedtime reading. The Chews have a nice citrus flavor, without being artificially sweet or leaving any strange aftertaste (an unusual feat for a chewable supplement). I did feel more relaxed than usual, and found myself drifting off to sleep easily. But the real test came when I tried PYM in the morning — the time of day when my stress typically revs up to get me out of bed and onto my computer by 7AM.
It was as if an anchor had dropped and paused my mile-a-minute mind. That sense of calm lasted through the day, and even made my morning caffeine (which I consumed about an hour after the chews) feel a little smoother, without the typical jitters.
After rolling out of bed one day, I popped two Mood Chews and gave myself fifteen minutes before sitting for my morning meditation. It was as if an anchor had dropped and paused my mile-a-minute mind. That sense of calm lasted through the day, and even made my morning caffeine (which I consumed about an hour after the chews) feel a little smoother, without the typical jitters.
A Mood Chew A Day
With most supplements, I don’t notice any immediate difference in how I feel — I take them because I think I “should.” During my time experimenting with PYM, however, I was able to take a chew or two in response to stress and very clearly notice the effects. One afternoon, after a particularly stressful day, I noticed some physical symptoms of my mental state. I tend to get fatigued — often with a touch of a stomach ache — when I’m feeling particularly anxious or overwhelmed. I took a Mood Chew, and about thirty minutes later, felt myself not only more calm, but also more equipped to focus and return to the tasks I needed to complete that day.
I noticed another benefit from PYM: better focus and a more sustainable sense of stamina. Pairing my chew with my morning routine allowed me to optimize those early hours, getting the benefits of more energy without the distraction and elevated stress that coffee often brings.
Mental Health Hygiene
PYM’s Mood Chews have easily earned a spot in my daily routine. They’re less an indulgence than a feel-good, non-negotiable to regulate my daily levels of stress, the same way I would brush my teeth to prevent cavities. In addition to making me feel noticeably more calm, I also love the concept of the chews: instead of numbing my emotions, they work with my mind and body to move through moments of anxiety.
I love the concept of the chews: instead of numbing my emotions, they work with my mind and body to move through moments of anxiety.
5 More Reasons To Love PYM
- All three of PYM’s active ingredients are naturally-occurring and found organically in plants and our bodies.
- Their Instagram is full of mood-boosting content and important mental health reminders.
- In addition to being good for your mind, PYM’s Mood Chews are good for your body, too -- they’re non-GMO, gluten-free, and have no added sugar.
- You can order Mood Chews directly to your door, and if you order via a subscription, you’ll save 10%.
- PYM’s blog is full of articles about mental health, helping to educate and lessen the stigma around topics like anxiety and depression.
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