Mental health is a level of
psychological well-being, or an absence of mental illness. It is the
psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of
emotional and behavioral adjustment.
Try these tips to help find the
right balance in your life.
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| how to improve our mental health |
1. Value yourself:
Treat yourself with kindness and
respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite
projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a
garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in
another language.
2. Take care of your body:
Taking care of yourself physically
can improve your mental health. Be sure to:
- Eat nutritious meals
- Avoid cigarettes
- Drink plenty of water
- Exercise, which helps decrease
depression and anxiety and improve moods
- Get enough sleep. Researchers
believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in
college students.
3. Surround yourself with good people:
People with strong family or social
connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make
plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where
you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.
4. Give yourself:
Volunteer your time and energy to
help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help
someone in need — and it's a great way to meet new people.
5. Learn how to deal with stress:
Like it or not, stress is a part of
life. Practice good coping skills: Try One-Minute Stress Strategies,
do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal
writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life.
Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax
your body and reduce stress.
6. Quiet your mind:
Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve
your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation
may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.
7. Set realistic goals:
Decide what you want to achieve
academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need
to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule.
You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you
progress toward your goal. Wellness
Coaching, free to U-M students, can
help you develop goals and stay on track.
8. Break up the monotony:
Although our routines make us more
efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of
pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a
road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new
restaurant.
9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:
Keep alcohol use to a minimum and
avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to
"self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only
aggravate problems.
10. Get help when you need it:
Seeking help is a sign of strength —
not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective.
People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and substance
abuse disorders and lead full, rewarding lives.
*Adapted
from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community
Behavioral Healthcare
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