Mental health is
defined as 'a state of well-being in which every
individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses
of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a
contribution to her or his community' (WHO). Thus, being 'mentally
healthy' means being able to achieve the balanced development of the
individual's personality and emotional attitudes which enable him/her to attain
the inner feeling of well-beong and to live harmoniously with other people.
The question is how
much do we really take care of our mental health. Many of us focus more on our
physical health, trying to stay fit while eating proper food and exercising
more. But good mental health is very important, too. A healthy body is useless
without a healthy mind. Actually, we can say that physical health and mental
health are interdependable and they are both very important to us to live a
fulfilled and happy life. If you manage to achieve a good balance between the
two, you can enjoy your life and manage problems in a better way.
As with physical
health, for a healthy mind it is also important to eat right, exercise, get the
right number of hours of sleep and keep stress at bay. Nutrition is crucial to keeping
both your body and mind healthy. The food we consume directly effects on energy
levels and our physical and mental health. A healthy diet with the right amount
of calories to ensure a healthy weight and enriched with various essential
nutrients, but with very little salt, sugar and fat, can help you feel
energized and make your body and mind feel good. There are also various
vitamins and minerals to support good health of your mind, e.g. vitamin B12,
calcium, folate, iron and omega-3. Regular exercise is also essential to stay
fit, both physically and mentally. Exercising on a regular basis and over a
long period provides long-term health benefits. Exercise produces hormones
known as endorphins, also referred to as 'feel good' hormones, which can help
you relieve stress and improve your mood. And finally, the proper number of
hours of sleep is essential for good mental health. It enables your body and
mind to relax and heal itself before the start of a challenging new day.
Good mental health is
necessary to enjoy life as it provides a feeling of well-being and gives us
strength to face any odds and live day to day. You should focus on positive
things in your life, work on yourself, move your mental boundaries, surround
yourself with people who love and support you, and try to find the peace and
balance with your inner self.
Think about these
questions and share your story with us here on the blog:
1.
What is your recipe of keeping a
'healthy mind'?
2.
How do you cope with everyday stress?
3.
Do you think that talking about mental
health issues is a taboo?
