Credit: pauldingpress.org
You have probably heard about different ways to take care of your body. Did you know that you can take care of your mind, too? Mental health is the way we think and feel about ourselves and the world around us.
When we practice good mental health, it is easier to handle stress and other problems. In this sheet, you will learn different ways to build good mental health. You will learn how to:
Our bodies and our minds are connected. When you take care of your body, you also take care of your mind.
Food is our fuel. It gives us important nutrients that help our bodies work. It makes sense that the better we eat, the better we work. Our brains work better, too. Research shows that the food we eat is a big part of mental health. Healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains give us the nutrients to work our best.
Here are some tips on taking care of your body:
Exercise is good for your body. But did you know that it is also good for mental health? Here are a few ways exercise can help:
You do not have to spend a lot of time for these effects, either. Just 30 minutes a day, three or four days a week is enough to see big changes. It does not matter what kind of activity you do.
Here are some tips for boosting the mental health effects of exercise:
If you have a health problem, talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise program.
Sleep has a huge effect on mental health. When we get enough sleep, it is easier to cope with stress, handle problems, concentrate, think positively and remember things.
The exact amount of sleep you need is based on your own body. You know that you are getting enough sleep when you do not feel sleepy during the day.
It is easy to think that we can get more done if we cut back on sleep. But it is harder to get things done when we do not get enough sleep.
Here are some things to try if you do not sleep well:
Most people have sleep problems from time to time. If you often have sleep problems, it is best to talk to your doctor.
Top
Watch for thinking traps
The way we think about something has a big effect on the way we feel. If we feel like we can handle a problem, we often feel good. If we do not think that we can handle a problem, we often feel bad.
Sometimes, we think that something is bad, even when it is not true.
Here are some common thinking traps:
Thinking that bad things always happen to you.
Thinking that something can only be all good or all bad.
Focusing only on the negative part of a situation.
Jumping to conclusions before you know what really happened.
You can challenge your thinking trap by looking at the facts. The next time you notice yourself falling into a thinking trap, ask yourself questions to find the facts. Here are some questions to ask:
Is there any proof to back up this thought?
Have I thought about all sides of the situation? Is there anything I missed?
Have I been in this position before? What happened then?
If my friend was in the same situation, what would I say?
Once you have looked at the facts, you can replace the thinking trap thought with a more balanced thought.
Top
Solve problems
We face problems every day. We can fix some problems easily, but other problems are not as easy to solve. When we do not take action, stress can build up until we do not know what to do next.
This is an easy way to tackle problems. The next time you are facing a problem, follow these steps:
Step 1: Decide what the problem is. Try to be as exact as possible. It is easier to solve a problem when you know what needs to be fixed.
Step 2: Think of different solutions or end goals. Think of as many as you can. Write them all down, even if they seem silly.
Step 3: Pick the solution that you think will work best.
Step 4: Decide what you need to do to try your solution. This is your plan. You can break your plan into smaller steps if you need to.
Step 5: Put your plan into action. Remember to use your balanced thinking skills.
Step 6: Look back to see if your plan worked. If it did not work, pick a different solution from your list in Step 2 and make a new plan. Keep going until you find a solution that works.
Top
When we do not take time to slow down, stresses can add up until we feel too overwhelmed to do anything.
When we relax, it is easier to see problems and solutions clearly. It is easier to manage difficult feelings , and it is easier to see the good sides of things. It is easier to focus on what is happening now instead of worrying about the past or future.
How you relax is up to you. Yoga, meditation, tai chi and breathing exercises are popular activities. Other people relax by reading, doing art, exercising, spending time in nature or playing with pets. Many community centres or community groups have classes you can join. You can also learn more online or in books.
Top
Make a list of the things you can do each day that make you happy. Then give yourself time for these activities. Use your problem-solving skills to find ways to add more of these activities in your life. Here is an example. After doing some problem solving, you might start bringing your book to work or school to read during your lunch break.
Top
Top
Connect with others
Social networks are a big part of our overall mental health. Our social networks are the people in our lives who support us, celebrate our successes and help us deal with problems.
There are many different ways we can help each other.
Some people are good at dealing with feelings. This can help us feel comforted.
Some people are good at helping out, like babysitting or grocery shopping. This can help us manage day-to-day chores.
Some people are good at sharing a different point of view. This can help us look at problems more realistically.
Some people are good at sharing information. This can help us find better solutions.
Most of us have networks of different people. It might include family members, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbours and other important people.
Here are some tips for building a strong support network:
Ask for help. Others cannot help you if they do not know what you need.
Think of new ways to meet people. If you enjoy a particular activity, joining a group or class is a good way to meet others with the same interests.
Join a support group. This is a good way to find help for a specific problem.
Let go of bad relationships. Some people in our networks might not support us. It is hard, but sometimes we need to let go of these people.
Top
Help others
Helping others helps us feel good about ourselves. It is also a good way to meet other people and learn new skills. Try asking your favourite group or organization if they have volunteer work.
Shraddha Kapoor: बॅालीवुड़ एक्ट्रेस श्रद्धा कपूर के करियर में इस वक्त शानदार समय चल रहा… Read More
Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: गणेश चतुर्थी के पावन अवसर पर आज 07 सितंबर 2024 को घर-घर… Read More
Aaj Ka Panchang: आज भाद्रपद मास के शुक्ल पक्ष की चतुर्थी तिथि तथा दिन शनिवार… Read More
Milan Day Matka Open Result Time: मिलन डे मटका ओपन का रिजल्ट 3:00 PM पर… Read More
Milan Morning Chart Result Result Time: मिलन मॉर्निंग चार्ट का रिजल्ट 10:15 AM पर आता… Read More