Have you ever noticed that when people talk about mental health, it’s almost always negative? We talk about mental health problems, mental health conditions, crisis, issues…all these words conjure up a picture of something that needs treatment, that we need to fix.
While there are obviously aspects of mental health that are a problem and do need treatment, it is also the case that our mental health can be our strength, our solid base on which to build a positive mindset.
Today (20th March 2023) is the UN International Day of Happiness, and this post is all about celebrating positive mental health!
Just as we all have physical health, whether we’re fit and healthy or whether we have some ailments, we all have mental health. Mental wellbeing isn’t a race to reach happiness – it is a journey of fluctuating ups and downs where some days are better than others, and that’s ok. It is resilience, optimism, self-esteem, focus and purpose that make for positive mental health, where you feel able to manage the stresses of life whilst appreciating the joy.
In order to boost your own mental wellbeing, here are our five top tips to foster a positive mindset!
1. Find your joy
Discover what it is that brings you peace and helps you relax. Whether it’s meditation, going for a walk or knitting some socks, finding ways to switch off can help you avoid becoming too overwhelmed.
2. Spend time in nature
Immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature can transport you from the noise of daily life, giving you a chance to breathe and revitalise
3. Learn and be creative
Challenging yourself to learn a new skill or embrace your creativity can help distract your mind, boost your confidence and meet new people.
4. Look after yourself
A healthy mind needs a healthy body. Try to be physically active, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep to give your mental health a solid base on which to flourish.
5. Connect with others
Spending time with friends and family or meeting new people can give a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness, as well as boosting self-esteem.
Life doesn't treat us to idyllic days every day, there will be challenges that we need to overcome. Having to face these challenges and feeling sad/frustrated/angry/down about them is part of life, and that's ok. Taking time to implement the above tips into your life can make your mental health more robust, enabling you to cope with such challenges and come out the other side - so just remember:
"Everyday may not be good...but there is something good in every day" - Alice Morse Earle
Photo by Madison Oren on Unsplash
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