The latest ABS National Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey (2008) shows that one in five people will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. In Australia, the most common of disorders are anxiety (which affects 1 in 7 adults), followed by affective disorders, such as depression (which affects 6.2%) and substance-use disorders (5.1% of the population) (ABS, 2008).
Being mentally healthy is not about the absence of mental illness - it is the ability to cope with the stresses of life, maintain healthy relationships and contribute to the community.
While most of us understand the importance of keeping physically healthy, few of us apply the same level of engagement and action to our emotional, social wellbeing.
To achieve and maintain overall balance, it is important to strive for both physical and mental wellness. In a similar way to keeping the body physically fit and healthy, there are some impactful behaviours that you can regularly adopt to maintain good mental health.
Following are a few simple ways to practise mental fitness. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage you to apply even just one of these tips into your routine for the month.
1. Keep socially active
Interaction with other people is vital to human development. Social relationships and networks can act as protective factors against the onset or recurrence of mental illness. Keep in regular contact with family, friends and colleagues.
2. Keep physically active
Even a small amount of regular physical activity improves wellbeing. Joining an exercise group, sport club or gym can also help build social networks, as it connects you with a new set of people with similar interests.
3. Discover and engage in your hobbies and interests
Taking up a hobby can bring balance to your life by allowing you to do something you simply enjoy, free of the pressure of everyday tasks. Hobbies and other interests also keep your brain active. If you are struggling to find a hobby, consider volunteering, which can also connect you to the community.
4. Treat yourself well
Do something just for yourself: be it cooking yourself a good meal, having a bubble bath, going to the movies, or enjoying the sunshine whilst sitting on a park bench.
5. Share humour
Life is often too serious, so when you hear or see something that makes you smile or laugh, share it with someone. A little humour can go a long way to keeping us mentally fit.
6. Collect positive emotional moments
Make it a point to recall times when you have experienced pleasure, comfort, tenderness, confidence, or other positive emotions.
7. Learn ways to cope with negative thoughts
Negative thoughts can be insistent and loud. Rather than blocking them, learn to interrupt your thoughts so that the negativity does not take over. Try distracting or comforting yourself, if you cannot solve the problem right away.
8. Do one thing at a time
Try to be in the moment with all that you engage in. Take in the sights, sounds and the smells that you encounter. For example, when you are out for a walk or spending time with friends, turn off your cell phone and stop making mental ‘to do’ lists.
9. Practise mindfulness
Several definitions of mindfulness have been used in modern psychology. Mindfulness involves being present and bringing increasing awareness to the moments of our lives - paying attention to, and having present-centered awareness in each thought, feeling or sensation that arises, by not judging but instead accepting it for what it is.
10. Engage your imagination
It’s in abundance, it’s free and it’s right at your disposal. Whether it’s a beach, a mountaintop, a hushed forest or a favourite room or moment from the past, let the comforting environment wrap you in a sensation of peace and tranquility.
If you need to talk to someone or discuss how you are feeling, you can contact PRIMEXL on 9492 8900 or FREECALL 1800 674 188 today to arrange a confidential counseling session. Alternatively, you can request a booking online.
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