1
Nov
2008
Five ways to Mental Well Being
It is important to maintain our mental well being. Everyone faces ups and downs in their lives, and we need to keep our wits around us to overcome the daily challenges.
Here are some ways to build a basis for your mental well being.
1. Connect - with the people around you, at home, work, school or in your neighbourhood. Think of these people (family, friends, colleagues and neighbours) as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these relationships will support and enrich you every day.
2. Be active - go for a walk or run. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, pick up a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of health and fitness.
3. Take notice and be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
4. Keep learning - Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a
challenge you enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
5. Give - Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself and your happiness, as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
Before you begin trying all the above, sit down … relax and have a cup of nice Kopi O. That does wonders for me.
