Mental Wellness

The Importance of Mental Wellness

By Staci Lee Schnell, M.S., C.S., LMFT

January 30, 2014

 

 

January is Mental Wellness Month, which is a great time to recognize and address some of our daily stresses and resolve to take steps towards improving our own mental health.  Mental and emotional well-being is fundamental to our overall health. Positive mental health allows us to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Our ability to respond to and deal with everyday life stresses is an integral part of our Mental Wellness.

 

We often associate our health merely with physical fitness, and forget that our mental well-being is just as important as our physical well-being.  Meeting our emotional needs, maintaining a positive attitude, having high self-esteem and a strong self-image are all key components to Mental Wellness.

 

 

Here are some strategies that may help reduce stress and lead to greater Mental Wellness:

 

  • Positive Attitude: People with positive attitudes are likely to be happier, more successful, and better able to handle crises and stress. Laugh at your mistakes and learn from them, instead of putting yourself down. Avoid negative self-talk.

 

 

  • Be Thankful: Be thankful for what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t.

 

 

  • Laugh: Humor is a great stress reducer. Studies indicate that laughter can make you healthier.

 

 

  • Exercise: Regular exercise increases energy and helps with depression and anxiety. Just a 15 minute walk a day will help keep your body and mind healthy.

 

  • Sleep: Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep can improve your mood and ability to focus and get things done.

 

 

  • Eat well: Eating fruits and vegetables and foods rich in fiber and protein can improve your mood.  Avoid junk food for overall better health.

 

  • See a Therapist:   You don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental health issue to benefit from therapy.  A good therapist can help you to become stronger and more self-aware.
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