According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 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”
People in good mental health are often sad, unwell, angry or unhappy, and this is part of a fully lived life for a human being. In spite of this, mental health has been often conceptualized as a purely positive affect, marked by feelings of happiness and sense of mastery over the environment
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness-it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness
Path to Improve Mental health
Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:
- Get regular exercise.
- EEat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated.
- Make sleep a priority.
- Avoid tobacco products and illicit drugs.
- Try a relaxing activity.
- Set goals and priorities
Benefits of Regular Exercise
Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time
- Helps the body burn calories instead of storing them as body fat.
- Helps keep blood sugar levels more balanced and in a normal range (lowering your risk for diabetes).
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Helps keep bones and muscles strong.
- Builds strength and endurance.
- Decreases stress and improves sleep and mental well being.
- Prevents serious health problems that can come with being overweight or obese.
What else can I do to stay active?
A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime
Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
Questions for your doctor
- What is mental health?
- What do I do if the support doesn't help?
- Can you prevent mental health problems?
- What causes mental health problems?
- What do I do if I'm worried about my mental health?
- How do I know if I'm unwell?