Taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health. What is our mental health and why is it important? According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well and contribute to their communities.

Mental health affects our thoughts and our overall behaviour. There is good mental health and poor mental health. Good mental health enables one to cope with everyday life pressures while being productive and relating to others normally. Certain habits and activities can promote good mental health. Let’s discuss some of the habits that promote good mental health.

A healthy diet is good for your mental health. It is important to eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet. A balanced diet means consuming the right amount of nutrients from different foods to support body functions. Certain nutrients like vitamins and fatty acids are important for brain health and functions. Some nutrients also help in regulating mood and energy levels. A healthy diet can also promote a healthy gut and reduce inflammation. This generally improves your mood and mental wellbeing. Note that it is important to have your breakfast.

Exercise is really good for your mental health. Being physically active not only keeps you fit but it also improves your mood and self-esteem. Regular Exercise also helps with sleep and concentration. Experts say engaging in exercise releases feel good hormones like serotonin and endorphins which improve your general mood. Exercising does not only mean going to the gym. It could be joining a dance or aerobics class. It could simply mean running or taking walks. Enjoying the activity you choose is important.

Building good relations is also important for your mental health. Connecting with others is important for mutual sharing and caring. This creates a good sense of belonging in a safe space where you can get and give support. You can create positive relations by spending time with family and friends doing things you enjoy. If your friends and family are away make time to visit them, besides they are usually a phone call away.

Learning new things or new skills can improve your mental health. Learning new skills can give you a sense of purpose especially if you then apply the acquired skills to something you are passionate about. A new skill can also boost your self-esteem and confidence. It’s not skills only that you can learn but just acquiring new knowledge can make you feel good. In the process of acquiring a new skill you are able to connect with other people and build meaningful relationships. In this regard, take some time to learn something new.

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