Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health

Many of us know how to look after our physical health, but what about our caring for our mental health? Mental health is a critical component of our overall wellbeing but can often be one of the more challenging aspects of the human experience to navigate.

Understanding and maintaining good mental health leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Discover how to maintain good mental health, achieve emotional balance and access support in safeguarding your psychological wellbeing.

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It impacts how individuals think, feel, and act, influencing how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Our mental and emotional resilience also plays a huge role in how we respond to and bounce-back from situations that may be stressful and/or traumatising.

Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. Mental illnesses are common but treatable and/or manageable, with various forms of support and interventions available.

How to improve mental health

Discovering effective self-care tips to boost your mental health is key for maintaining your overall wellbeing. Self-care isn’t just about face masks and bubble baths; it can look like saying no to things you don’t want to doand instead doing things that benefit your body and mind. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, setting boundaries to protect your energy, and taking breaks when needed can also contribute to a healthier mindset. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is a necessary practice to nurture your mental health and enhance your quality of life.

Here is a list of ways to maintain good mental health:

• Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress

• Engage in regular physical activity to boost mood

• Maintain a healthy diet for overall brain health

• Ensure adequate sleep for proper mental function

• Stay connected with friends and family for support

• Set realistic goals and break tasks into manageable steps

• Engage in hobbies or activities you enjoy

• Limit alcohol and avoid illicit drugs

• Practice gratitude to enhance positive thinking

• Seek out nature or green spaces for relaxation

When to seek additional help and support

Knowing when to seek additional help and support for mental health concerns is vital for your wellbeing. There are a number of people who you can reach out to when you need the additional support. This could be your GP, therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals are available to provide guidance, support, and treatment options to help you navigate through challenging times.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you deserve to prioritise your mental health.

If you are experiencing any of the following, then it might a good decision to reach out and speak to someone.

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Excessive worry or anxiety

• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping patterns

• Withdrawal from friends and activities

• Substance abuse

• Unexplained physical ailments

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Mood swings or irritability

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

• Lack of interest or motivation in life

What is the difference between mental and emotional health?

Emotional health refers to the state of our emotional wellbeing. It involves recognising, understanding, and effectively managing our emotions in a healthy way. Good emotional health allows us to navigate stress, build strong relationships, and maintain a positive outlook on life, which enables us to better cope with life’s challenges. While there is crossover between mental and emotional health, the term mental health encapsulates our overall psychological well-being, including cognitive functions, like thought processes and decision-making, and our social engagement.

Emotional wellbeing is an essential component of overall mental health and contributes to our resilience and ability to cope with adversity. Prioritising emotional health involves self-awareness, self-care practices, seeking support when needed, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.

How to improve your emotional health

As previously mentioned, simple activities like writing in a gratitude journal, engaging in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and seeking support you need can all contribute to your emotional wellbeing. Don’t be worried about setting boundaries and prioritising self-care, as these are essential for your mental health. Remember, taking care of your emotional health is a continuous journey that requires consistent effort and attention.

• Identify and express emotions appropriately

• Practice empathy by listening to others

• Cultivate resilience to bounce back from setbacks

• Develop strong communication skills

• Engage in activities that bring joy and satisfaction

• Acknowledge your strengths and achievements

• Avoid negative self-talk; replace it with positive affirmations

• Set boundaries to protect emotional energy

• Learn stress management techniques like breathing exercises

• Create a support network of trusted individuals

How an Employee Assistance Programme can help you maintain good mental health

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) through HA | Wisdom Wellbeing offers individuals confidential, in-the-moment support as well as practical advice for a wide range of issues ranging from work to personal stress. Our qualified counsellors use a solution-focused model to help individuals make sense of their concerns and develop the coping skills to overcome them with a set goal in mind.

What makes our service unique is our Wisdom app. It enables you to practice stress management skills, such as mindfulness techniques, and provides various plans and tools to support you on your wellbeing journey. In addition to the resources available, you have 24/7 access to fully qualified and registered counsellors for confidential emotional support - all you need to do is reach out.

Conclusion

Maintaining good mental and emotional health requires a combination of self-care practices and awareness of when to seek professional help. Implementing these strategies can lead to a healthier, more balanced life. Explore more resources to continue your journey towards improved wellbeing.