Welcome To Our Mental Health And Wellness Journey: Why It Matters

Welcome to your safe space – this is Health n Wellness (HnW) , a dedicated space committed to promoting mental health well-being through a holistic and comprehensive approach. We understand that mental health is a vital component of our overall well-being. We provide a wealth of resources and practices designed to support your mental health journey.

Our mission is to inspire people to practice mindfulness, manage stress, and adopt healthier lifestyles, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Our key focus areas include:

• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Stress Management
• Holistic Approaches (such as Yoga, the role of nutrition in mental health, benefits of nature and outdoor activities)
• Mental Health Awareness

What is Mental health?

If you have ever googled that question, I am sure you were met with different responses, yet all seemed alike or intertwined. Good news is there are really no wrong answers – here are some of the definitions that stands out for me and I hope they are as satisfactory to you as they are to me:

• Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
• Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
• Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, regulate your feelings and behave.

My mental health and wellness journey started 3 years ago after a bad break up. It wasn’t until then I realized how greatly heartbreak affects one’s mental health – The emotional pain and distress I felt lead to various mental health concerns, such as: intense sadness, anxiety, anger, depression, sleep disturbances, apathy, loss and change in appetite.

I felt helpless and hopeless; eventually I would reach out to my friends and loved ones for support as I tried to navigate that painful phase that seemed to have no end. Although it was hard, I practiced self care and self care for me were activities that helped me relax and decompress, such as exercise, taking long strolls, watching movies, listening to soothing music and reading; basically anything safe that would help me feel better.

One of the greatest things I did for my healing and overall wellness was allowing myself to grieve – I acknowledged my emotions and gave myself time to process my feelings. I cried as many times as I felt the need to for I had the understanding it was not an indication of weakness, rather, an emotional response to pain and loss.

Why should I prioritize my mental health

A friend encouraged me to do some inner work, inner child healing, dig deep emotionally and mentally too; she provided me with helpful resources to kick start my mental health wellness journey. I had to be intentional for progress to be made, I found I had to prioritize my mental health and well being – it is crucial to maintain good mental health just as much as physical health.

Let’s look at some reasons why it should be a top priority:

• Improved Quality of Life
• Increased Productivity
• Improved Physical health
• Reduced Risk of Mental Illness
• Improved Relationships etc

Good mental health leads to a happier and more satisfying existence. When our mental health is good, we can appreciate the simple things in life more thoroughly. We can discover delight in everyday activities, improve our connections with loved ones, and feel more hopeful about the future. Good mental health also leads to higher productivity. When we are happy and balanced, we can work more effectively and complete more tasks in less time. We can also manage stress and other obstacles more effectively.

Our mental health has a direct effect on our physical health. According to research, those with good mental health are less likely to develop chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. This is because excellent mental health is associated with improved lifestyle choices, such as healthy food and regular exercise.

Good mental health leads to better relationships. When we are in good mental health, we are better able to converse with our loved ones and form deeper, more meaningful connections. We are also more empathic and can better understand the needs and emotions of others.

How to prioritize your mental health

Taking care of our mental health can help lower the likelihood of developing a mental illness. Mental illnesses are frequently the outcome of long-term neglect of our mental well-being. Prioritizing our mental health might lower our chances of getting illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Now, let us look at some ways to prioritize your mental health:

Self-Care

1. Get enough sleep: This can not be over emphasized! Sleep is essential for maintaining general health and well-being. During sleep, our bodies repair and replenish themselves; with that being said, you should for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help regulate your mood and reduce stress.
2. Exercise regularly: As cliché as it sounds, you need exercise; yes, for mental health too. There are a range of exercise you can do, from mild to intense. You can start small and work your way up to more complex or intense exercises. You can do the following – walking, running, swimming, or yoga. Basically, whatever physical activity that brings you joy. the key is to move your body!
3. Eat a balanced diet: It is incredible how greatly our moods and overall health is affected by what we feed our body. Focus on consuming whole, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
4. Practice relaxation : Try activities like rest, meditation, deep breathing, reading, music, dancing or any activity you believe will help you manage stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness and Self-Awareness

1. Practice mindfulness: I know it is easier said than done, but you should try to focus on the present moment, without judgment, to increase self-awareness and reduce stress.
2. Engage in activities that bring you joy: Make time for hobbies, passions, or creative pursuits that give you a sense of purpose and happiness.
3. Set boundaries: This is very important. Learn to say “no” and prioritize your own needs to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You need to put yourself first, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
4. Seek social support: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage and uplift you.

Professional Help

There is absolutely NO SHAME in seeking for help; it is a great sign of Courage and bravery.

1. Seek therapy or counseling: Consult with a mental health professional if you’re struggling with persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm.
2. Consider online therapy options: Big ups to technology – take advantage of online therapy platforms or apps that offer convenient, accessible support.
3. Join a support group: There is a host of safe communities both online and offline with people you share similar experiences with. There are a search away – Connect with others who share similar experiences or struggles to build a sense of community and support.

Digital Health

Technology has done us a great deal. It has simplified our lives and with each passing day, we discover new ways to use technology to our advantage. In the same breath, it can be addictive and can cause a disconnect with our environment and loved ones. Finding the balance is key.

1. Set screen time limits: Establish boundaries around your screen time to reduce exposure to stress-inducing social media or news.
2. Use mental health apps: Explore apps like Headspace, Calm, or Happify that offer guided meditation, mood tracking, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
3. Practice digital detox: Regularly disconnect from digital devices to reduce stress and increase relaxation. I do this as often as I can and it has been a game changer, take my word for it; it gives me some level of clarity i can never get if i’m glugged to my phone/screen.

Self-Compassion

1. Practice self-kindness: Treat yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and patience that you would offer to a friend.
2. Counter negative self-talk: Notice when you’re engaging in negative self-talk and reframe those thoughts in a more positive, compassionate light. Words of affirmations will be required, Affirm yourself as many times as you can with things like- ‘I am enough’, ‘I am worthy’, ‘I deserve to be loved’, ‘I am easy to love’, ‘I deserve to be treated with kindness’, ‘I forgive myself’, ‘I am not my mistakes’, ‘my past does not define me’ and lots more
3. Focus on the present: Worrying sucks and it does nothing good for us. Let go of worries about the past or future, and instead focus on the present moment. Be present. today is what matters; take care of today for it will determine the future.

Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders and it is experienced differently by each individual, with various levels of difficulty and distress, and also potentially very different social and clinical outcomes.

Life often throws difficult situations at us and being resilient will help us to bounce back and live in a way that creates more joy and helps us to achieve our goals. Someone who prioritizes mental health might find it easier to balance work life, school and personal life, and it becomes easier to set boundaries and make time for rest, hobbies and social interaction.

Once you begin to prioritize your mental health, you will begin to realize how much you are capable of and how strong you are. That is why Health n Wellness is dedicated to creating a supportive community where individuals can find guidance, share experiences, and learn from one another. We believe that everyone deserves access to mental health resources and the opportunity to thrive.

“Taking care of your mental health is the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you.” – Fatima Saeed. Join us as we embark on a journey towards greater mental well-being, resilience, and self-awareness. Together, we can cultivate a more mindful and healthier world.