Six Ways to take care of your Mental Well-being

The World Health Organisation defines Mental wellbeing as “a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises 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”.
Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. It can impact your overall personal well-being, relationships and resilience in life. It is very important to take care of yourself and get the most from life.

Here are ‘Six practical ways to look after your mental health’. Making simple changes does not necessarily take up much time but will definitely make you feel better. Why not start today?

• Eat a Mix of nutrients – There is a connection between what we eat and how we feel. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well. A balanced diet that is good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. A healthy diet should include a mix of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, dairy products, plenty of water, etc. Try to limit high caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Look after your Physical Health – Taking care of your physical health improves your mental well-being. Being active for at least 30 minutes daily whether it is running, walking, dancing, yoga, cycling, or even gardening can raise your self esteem. When you set a goal and achieve it, It can cause chemical changes in the brain which helps positively change your mood.
• Connect with People – Reaching out to loved ones can help improve mental wellbeing. It is important to share your experiences with other people, get some emotional support and be there to support them as well. It will help you build a sense of belonging and self worth. You should take out time to spend with family, arrange a day out with friends, play a game with your children or family, or engage in a volunteering activity to boost your mental well-being.
• Take 2 minutes to be ‘Mindful’ of the present moment – You should free yourself of constantly swirling thoughts by reconnecting yourself with where you are at this moment in time. Paying more attention to your thoughts, your body and the world around you can improve your mental well-being. A Two-minute meditation or just Closing your eyes and Observing your breath for 2 minutes can help calm your head and can help you make better decisions.
• Do activities that you enjoy – Try to indulge in doing the activities that you enjoy. It can be cooking, playing with your pet, reading a book, taking a walk in the park, watching a film or a TV Series. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your regular routine. It will make you happy and help you maintain good mental well-being.
• Steer away from Harmful substances – You need to steer away from harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc to cope with what you are feeling. They may seem to help you feel better in the short term, but can cause long term harm. Drinking alcohol leaves you feeling worse because of the way it affects your brain and the rest of your body. These substances do not solve problems but create more.

Over To You:
The Covid 19 Pandemic has also taken a toll on people’s mental health. People from all walks of life experienced stress. It is understandable to feel scared, anxious, or helpless during this time, but you need to know whatever situation you are in, you have the power to look after your mental well-being. The above practices can help you cope with any event that may cause stress.