As part of our month-long look at ways people can incorporate mindfulness and mental health practices into their everyday lives, we wanted to explore the many facets of the term “mental health”. This can include our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Each of these work in tandem to affect how we think, feel, and act.
Mental health also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
The CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has several important tips for maintaining ones overall mental health:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing the news constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
- Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail
- Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness and how you can put it in to practice in your daily life.
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