MENTAL HEALTH?? ‘Shush .. we don’t talk about such things’ or even worse, ‘there is no such thing as mental health issues!’ The taboo topic in the earlier days is now gaining momentum and there is more awareness and acceptance. Boy! Am I glad of this change!!
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), mental health is:
“… a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
None of us are immune to mental or emotional health problems. There are many reasons why we are not able to address our mental issues effectively. Some of them are; mental and emotional issues seen as a sign of weakness and as something we should know how to “snap out of”, our connections are more virtual than real and we seek quick fix rather than travelling to the root cause.
The truth is that, whatever your issues, there are steps you can take to improve the way you feel and experience greater mental and emotional well-being. And you can start today!
- Tell yourself something positive.
Research shows that how you think about yourself can have a powerful effect on how you feel.
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No substitute for Gratitude.
Gratitude has been clearly linked with improved well-being and mental health, as well as happiness. Find something to be grateful for, let it fill your heart, and bask in that feeling.
Start by bringing awareness to routine activities, such as taking a shower, eating lunch, or walking home. Being mindful of the present moment allows us to let go of negative or difficult emotions from past experiences that weigh us down.
Your body releases stress-relieving and mood-boosting endorphins before and after you work out, which is why exercise is a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Knowing you are valued by others is important for helping you think more positively. Plus, being more trusting can increase your emotional well-being because as you get better at finding the positive aspects in other people, you become better at recognizing your own.
A large body of research has shown that sleep deprivation has a significant negative effect on your mood. Try to go to bed at a regular time each day, and try shutting down screens for at least an hour before bed.
Don’t wait until you're in a crisis to make your mental health a priority. You have the power to take positive steps right now to improve your resilience and emotional health. Always remember, Mental Health begins with ‘Me’ !
