Pharm. Umar BashiruHaving robust mental health is crucial to overall health and wellness. Indeed, caring for your mental wellbeing involves more than just managing stress. Rather, it encompasses maintaining emotional equilibrium under variable circumstances, implementing resilient coping mechanisms, and pursuing activities that instill a sense of fulfillment.
Attending to one’s mental health is a continuous effort. However, adopting certain stress reduction techniques and wellness strategies can help maintain balance amid life’s ups and downs.
On an individual level, these could include:
- Fostering healthy relationships
- Investing time in hobbies and interests
- Regular physical exercise
- Appropriate sleeping patterns
However, professional support plays a significant role in managing more severe psychological concerns. Psychological therapy, supportive counseling, and, in some cases, psychopharmacological intervention can address serious mental health conditions such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” Noam Shpancer, Clinical Psychologist
Finally, it is essential to strike an appropriate work-life balance, mitigating occupational stressors and setting professional boundaries. Acknowledging the importance of personal time and leisure activities emphasizes mental health as a vital pillar of health and wellness.
Committing to a Healthier Lifestyle
It’s not a one-time act but a consistent commitment that yields long-term benefits, as outlined by the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, monitoring mental health, and adopting preventive care measures are all part and parcel of a healthier lifestyle.
FAQ
Can physical activity really impact my overall health?
Yes, regular physical activity contributes significantly to overall health. It helps improve heart health, strengthens muscles and bones, promotes mental health, and can prevent various chronic diseases. Finding forms of exercise you enjoy can lead to a more consistent exercise habit, as discussed by the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Pharm. Umar Bashiru
