When you hear the word 'health', you immediately think of physical health, right? But in fact, the health of our mind, that is, the ability to control our emotions, is very important for a healthy life. Studies have even found that there is a strong connection between well-controlled mental health and physical health. This is what we call the 'mind-body connection'. Today, let's talk about what this mental health is and how to maintain it.
What is emotional health?
Simply put, mental health is one aspect of your mental health . It is your ability to deal with and be aware of all emotions, both good and bad, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. A person with good mental health is able to cope successfully with the challenging and difficult emotions that come with everyday life. They also know that when they find it difficult to manage these things on their own, they need professional help, which means the help of a doctor.
Mental health is closely linked to physical health. Imagine someone who is under a lot of stress and is constantly feeling sad. These negative emotions can sometimes lead them to engage in unhealthy habits. For example, some people turn to smoking and drinking alcohol to relieve stress. But we all know that these habits increase the risk of developing dangerous diseases like cancer and heart disease.
The most important thing to remember is that even if someone has a mental illness , they can maintain a good mental health. Similarly, even someone without a mental illness can have mental health issues. Because mental health is a 'skill' that manages our emotions.
Is your mental health deteriorating? Be aware of these signs
Sometimes, our mental health can be compromised without us even realizing it. At such times, it shows through our behavior and thoughts. The table below shows some of the signs that we should pay attention to.
| Sign to pay attention to | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Loneliness | Trying to be alone, away from friends, family, and work. |
| Physical fatigue/lethargy | Feeling more tired and lifeless than usual. |
| Sleep changes | Either sleeping too much, or not being able to sleep no matter how hard you try. |
| Changes in diet | Loss of appetite or overeating. |
| Increased drug/alcohol use | A sudden increase in the use of smoking and alcohol. |
| Feeling like thoughts are racing | Unable to keep your mind in one place, thoughts keep coming to you about one thing after another. |
| Neglect of work | Decreased efficiency at work or in educational activities, absenteeism. |
| Conflicts with others | Having more problems and conflicts with others than usual. |
| Negative emotions | Constantly feeling angry, guilty, hopeless about anything. |
| Neglect of personal hygiene | Losing interest in one's own cleanliness and clothing. |
What can we do to maintain and improve mental health?
The good news is that there are many things we can do to improve our mental health. These are not difficult things, but simple habits that we can incorporate into our daily lives.
A balanced lifestyle
Maintain a good balance between your work and personal life. Work during work hours, and when you get home, give yourself time for household chores and your hobbies . It's very important to do everything in moderation.
Maintain social connections.
Humans are a social group. We need to talk and get together with our friends and family regularly. Virtually, that is, by phone or computer, it's good, but meeting up every now and then is very valuable.
Meditate
Meditation is a great way to become aware of your thoughts and feelings. When you practice observing them as they come and go without judging them as good or bad, it becomes easier to control your emotions.
Change the way you talk about yourself (Positive self-talk)
Do you tell yourself things like, "I can't do this," or "I'll never be good enough?" Stop saying these negative things and start thinking more positively, like, "I'll try this," or "I'll try again even if I fail." When your words change, your thoughts will start to change as well.
Develop Resilience
This is how you deal with a difficult situation, with pressure. The ability to get back up. It's normal to have problems in life. Facing them, learning from them, and getting back up again is what resilience is all about.
Sleep well.
Sleep is like a 'recharge' for our brain and body. Studies have shown that when we lack sleep, we become less able to understand the emotions of others and less able to control our own emotions . So try to get 7-8 hours of good sleep a day.
Exercise
Being physically active is great for your mental health. It can be as simple as walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, dancing around the house, or playing a sport you enjoy. When we exercise, our brain releases endorphins , which can make us feel good.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
This is the most important thing. If you are having a hard time dealing with these feelings on your own, ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength. Talk to your best friend or family member about what is on your mind. If you have tried these things and still don't feel better, don't hesitate to see your doctor or a therapist.
Take-Home Message
- Just like your physical health, emotional health is essential for a healthy life.
- Mental health is not about being happy all the time. It's about being able to manage all emotions, such as sadness, anger, and fear.
- Pay attention to symptoms such as loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and frequent irritability.
- Simple things like good sleep, exercise, social connections, and positive thinking can greatly improve your mental well-being.
- If you find it difficult to control these things on your own, never hesitate to seek advice from a doctor. It's a sign of strength.
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