Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing in 2015
*Photo credit: Medical News Today
A new year is upon us and many people are making their resolutions for improvement in 2015. Some resolutions may include improving physical health by working out and losing weight. But what about mental health? According to an article in Medical News Today, poor mental health increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Good mental health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stressors of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
You can improve your mental health and wellbeing in 2015 by following these helpful tips:
1. Adopt a healthy diet
A healthy, balanced diet can help with weight maintenance and protect against heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
2. Exercise regularly
Walking is a simple, inexpensive form of exercise that can boost confidence and self-esteem.
3. Get more sleep
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day – including holidays and weekends – so your body gets used to this routine.
4. Manage stress
Everyone experiences stress. Manage your stress by doing yoga, taking regular breaks and trying to stay positive.
5. Volunteer or take up a hobby
Concentrating on a hobby or showing people that you care through volunteer work can change your mood and help you forget about stress.
6. Set realistic goals
Don’t set yourself up for failure with over-ambitious goals. Write down your goals and make a weekly record of your progress. Share your goals with family, friends and co-workers and reward yourself when you achieve a goal.
You don’t have to wait for a new year to make healthy changes – you can make them any time of the year. Set your goals, make a plan to achieve them, and do the work. We hope you have a happy and healthy new year!
Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health.” -World Health Organization (WHO)