Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness; it’s a state of well-being that is absolutely essential to cope with the stresses and strains of life! Fortunately, you can attain this “state” all by yourself, if you want to.

State of well-being

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is not just the absence of mental illness but a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, 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.

How is it done?

Although life is not always a bed of roses and most of us have, at one time or another, experienced stressful situations, there are many ways and means to try and stay mentally healthy.

For example:

Detox

We all know the importance of maintaining good physical health by eating right and exercising. However, what is often overlooked is the powerful link between what you eat or don’t eat and mental health. Low levels of certain nutrients found in food have been associated with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and hyperactivity. So, achieve a much better frame of mind by detoxing, chucking out the junk food and eating or supplementing with the genuine thing.

De-stress

Stress is toxic to mental and physical health! The stress response begins in the brain and is often fuelled by fear. It’s each one’s personal challenge to find the courage to face and manage that fear.

One way of doing this is to learn to still your mind, stay in the moment and not panic. Mindfulness is the opposite of multitasking. It consists of focusing attention on what is happening in the present and accepting it without judgment.

However, though it’s important to focus on what you are doing and feeling, always beware of becoming too self-absorbed and inwardly focused. When the latter starts happening to you, force yourself to look around, outside yourself. Help someone in need or volunteer for some worthy cause. You will soon forget about your own troubles and woes.

Find out what is stressing you out and deal with it as best you can. Also try and find your own personal de-stressing technique, be it a walk, run or vigorous workout at the gym, smelling the roses, reading a book or watching a movie, interacting with friends and family, etc.

De-clutter

Your personal environment can influence your moods. While some individuals don’t notice clutter most others can’t function when surrounded by it. De-clutter your home or office or working space and break free of the tyranny of “stuff”. Only buy and own what is truly beautiful or useful. Learn to make do to with what you have and get the maximum use out of what you own. Excess can be a cancer to happiness. It often causes ever-rising debt and even more stress.

Detach

Associate with the right people, those that inspire and encourage you. Detach yourself wherever possible from all forms of toxic relationships, practices, habits and environments. Sometimes this may mean taking a holiday or sabbatical to get away, taking a break from listening to all the bad news on the radio and TV or even detaching from all social media. You will know what to do.

Drop the illusions

“The happy ever after illusion has birthed some of this era’s most prevalent social concerns: stress, suicide, heartache, hopelessness, resentment, anger and depression”, says Dr John Demartini, an authority on human behaviour. He adds that our purpose in life isn’t just to pursue happiness but to learn to appreciate every one of life’s experiences, both happy and sad and to grow from them. His advice for mental health and happiness: learn to be grateful ever after!

Do more of what really makes you happy

Commit to doing whatever it is in life that really makes you happy, as long as it doesn’t have consequences detrimental to your health or to other people’s health and happiness. Live life to the fullest and help others do the same.

 

Sources

Dimartini, J. Gratitude – the key to loving each day and growing from every experience that occurs. Retrieved from: https://drdemartini.com
Hamm, E. It’s Never Too Late To Change Your Life. Retrieved from: http://motivatethyself.com
Holford, P. Nutrients for the mind. 2014. Retrieved from: www.naturalmedicine.co.za.
Mental health: a state of well-being. 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int