Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Mental wellbeing does not have a single universal definition, but it does encompass factors such as:
• The sense of feeling good about us and being able to function well individually or in relationships
• The ability to deal with the ups and downs of life, such as coping with challenges and making the most of opportunities
• The feeling of connection to our community and surroundings
• Having control and freedom over our lives
• Having a sense of purpose and feeling valued
Good mental health is characterised by a person's ability to fulfil several key functions and activities, including: • The ability to learn. • The ability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions. • The ability to form and maintain good relationships with others.
Try these tips to keep your balance, or re-balance yourself.
Value yourself:
Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favourite projects or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument, or become fluent in another language.
Take care of your body:
Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health.
Be sure to:
• Eat nutritious meals
• Avoid smoking and vaping
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods
• Get enough sleep.
Surround yourself with good people:
People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class, or support group.
Give yourself:
Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it is a great way to meet new people.
Learn how to deal with stress:
Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet, or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humour in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.
Quiet your mind:
Try meditating, mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.
Set realistic goals:
Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally, and write down the steps you need to realise your goals. Aim high but be realistic and do not over-schedule. You will enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and selfworth as you progress toward your goal.
Break up the monotony:
Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures, or try a new restaurant.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs:
Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.
Get help when you need it:
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not a weakness, and it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.
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