The world around us has vastly changed. As such, many face enormous pressures as they adjust to a new norm. This may come in the form of a new career, relocation, anxiety, physical and/or mental health challenges. Mental health is essential to personal well-being, family and interpersonal relationships.
According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “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.”
As COVID-19 spread throughout the United States, it not only resulted in greater morbidity and mortality in terms of physical health but also had disastrous effects on the mental health of the nation as stated in an Executive Summary produced by Mental Health America.
Just as physical fitness provides us with an increased ability to respond to life in all its richness, mental fitness helps in the same way. Without positive mental health, it will be challenging to realize your full potential and make a meaningful contribution to both local and global communities. Therefore, its crucial to protect your mind, body and spirt. So what can you do to maintain a healthy mental state?
Here are a few tips to boost your overall mental health:
- Be conscientious of your thoughts – this plays a significant role in one’s emotional state
- Manage your expectations – there is no such thing as perfection so be gracious with yourself and others
- Possess an attitude of gratitude – appreciate everything you have for it can all disappear instantaneously
- Connect – embrace the concept of community and stay connected with family, friends and colleagues
- Breathe – slow down, take time to smell the roses and cherish each moment
- Stay Active – intellectually, mentally and physically
- Treasure time – don’t take it or people for granted for someday you may lose both
- Eat healthy – make good dietary choices
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “It is health that is the real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver”. I encourage you to pursue the former.
With gratitude,
Thank you. Great tips.