Good mental health is vital to your overall wellness, but what exactly does that mean? Being mentally healthy means you can function during everyday life, have a sense of wellbeing and you feel confident to rise to a challenge when the opportunity arises. It may sound weird to suggest that you can improve your mental health but, just like your physical health, there are steps you can take to become more mentally healthy. So, how can you improve your mental health and be ready for whatever life throws your way?
1. Connect with Others: As John Donne wrote “No man is an island.” People need people, and that’s just the way it works. The quality of your personal relationships will have a major impact on your wellbeing, and so it’s important to develop and maintain strong relationships with people around you who will support and enrich your life. Putting time and effort into building strong relationships can bring great rewards.
2. Take Time to Enjoy Life: Life can be so busy that just finding time to work, look after your kids and take care of daily chores can be a struggle. However, life isn’t just about getting from one day to the next; it’s about living so you need to take time to enjoy it. Set aside time for activities, hobbies and projects you enjoy so that you make sure you actually do it. That said, don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. If the urge takes you, do a crossword; take a walk in your local park; read a book; sew a quilt; draw pictures with your kids; play with your pets – whatever takes your fancy.
3. Share Your Interests: This tip incorporates the best of both worlds; connecting with others and enjoying life. If you have an interest or hobby you’d like to pursue but your friends and family aren’t really that bothered by it, join a club or group of people who share your interests. Not only does this enable you to explore the thing you enjoy; being part of a group of people with a common interest provides a sense of belonging and is good for your mental health. Whether you join a sports club; a band; an evening walking group; a dance class; a theatre or choir group; a book club or car club, there is a group out there that likes the things you like.
4. Contribute to Your Community: In the words of Mark Twain, ‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up,’ so volunteer your time for a cause or issue that you care about. Whether you just do something nice for a friend or you work in a community garden, there are many great ways to contribute that can help you feel good about yourself and your place in the world. According to Professor Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert at the University of Lancaster, ‘Helping people who are often in situations worse than yours will help you put your problems into perspective. The more you give, the more resilient and happy you feel.’
5. Take Care of Yourself: There’s a close connection between physical and mental wellness, so make sure that you eat well and get plenty of exercise. It’s easier to feel good about life if your body feels good, and a combined healthy diet and exercise programme can help you feel good inside and out. You don’t have to go to the gym to exercise – gardening, vacuuming, dancing and bushwalking all count.
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