THE A-Z OF MENTAL WELLNESS
INTRODUCTION
Mental wellness means having a mind that is in order and functions in your best interest. It enables you to think, feel, and act in ways that positively impact your physical and social well-being.
Mental wellness refers to a state of well-being where an individual recognizes their potential, copes with life’s normal stresses, works productively, and contributes to their community. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act.
Before we dive into the A-Z of mental wellness let us understand some key aspects of mental wellness. Mental wellness encompasses our;
Emotional Well-being: This involves having a positive attitude, high self-esteem, a strong sense of self, and the ability to manage emotions effectively. It also includes recognizing and expressing feelings, and being resilient in the face of stress or adversity.
Psychological Well-being: This includes having a sense of purpose, feeling a sense of personal growth, and having the ability to make choices and decisions that reflect one’s values and beliefs. It also involves maintaining a balanced perspective on life and the capacity for self-reflection.
Social Well-being: Involves having healthy relationships and a strong support network, feeling connected to others, and having a sense of belonging. It also includes the ability to communicate effectively, show empathy, and manage interpersonal conflicts.
THE A-Z OF MENTAL WELLNESS
A
Affirmations
This is about making positive statements and repeating to your self to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. The practice of using affirmations is based on the theory that the mind can influence behaviour and emotional states, and that repeating positive statements can lead to a more optimistic outlook and improved mental health.
B
Balanced life
Achieving a balance between work and personal life is essential for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Setting boundaries, taking breaks, and ensuring time for leisure and hobbies are important aspects of this balance.
C
Coping skills
This is a psychological strategy or adaptation used to decrease tension or anxiety in stressful situations. Psychological interventions often focus on getting rid of harmful coping mechanisms. This skills are used to manage stress, navigate difficult emotions, and handle challenging situations. These skills can be learned and developed to improve mental and emotional resilience. Some coping skills include; Setting goals and creating action plans, practicing mindfulness and meditation, distraction through hobbies or activities.
D
Determine to stay happy.
Happiness is a choice and so is sadness. The drive to be happy and remain happy is solely dependent on you. Individuals have the power to influence their own happiness through their attitudes, actions, and decisions and this depends on your attitude and mindset.
E
Emotional Stability is of Essence
Emotional stability refers to the ability to maintain a consistent and balanced emotional state, even in the face of stress, adversity, or fluctuating circumstances. It is a key aspect of mental health and well-being, allowing individuals to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and composure. For this purpose, emotional stability is of essence and it requires one to have consistent emotional response, resilient to stress and having a positive out look
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another person. It is understanding someone else’s perspective and feeling what the other person feels. Empathy is a fundamental aspect of human social interaction and is crucial for building and maintaining relationships, fostering compassion, and promoting prosocial behavior. Individuals who have this ability are never quick to judge people and are very rational in their approach to situations. They are compassionate and affectionate.
F
Flourish
Mental wellness is about flourishing as an individual. It refers to a state where an individual experiences optimal functioning and well-being across various aspects of life. It goes beyond the mere absence of mental illness to encompass positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Flourishing is characterized by positive emotions, engagements, accomplishments and vitality.
G
Growth
Growth in mental wellness refers to the ongoing process of developing and enhancing one’s mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. It involves making conscious efforts to improve one’s mental health, build resilience, and achieve a higher level of functioning and fulfilment. Self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience building, personal growth and development
H
Healthy thoughts
Healthy thoughts produces healthy actions and vice versa, unhealthy thoughts produces unhealthy actions. We should always engage in healthy thoughts because our actions determine what we get from life it self. Healthy thoughts refer to patterns of thinking that contribute positively to one’s mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. These thoughts help individuals cope with stress, build resilience, and maintain a balanced and optimistic outlook on life.
I
Invigoration
This is the act of making one feel strong , healthy and full of energy. The process of revitalizing and energizing one’s mental and emotional state is referred to as invigoration in mental wellness. It involves engaging in activities and practices that enhance vitality, enthusiasm, and a sense of well-being, helping individuals feel more lively, motivated, and engaged in life. Such activities include; physical activity such as running and exercising, having adequate sleep and social interaction.
Frederick Abiola-Cudjoe
Frederick Abiola Cudjoe is a blogger, content creator who is in service to Arogi Trauma Care Foundation. He is solution driven and result oriented. He has a strong passion to always make clients have the best customer service experience.
