One in every five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The remaining four will have a friend, family member, or colleague who will face a mental health crisis. Mental health is an essential part of an individual’s overall health. Given these numbers, it is important for everyone to take several simple steps to take care of and remain conscious of their mental health.
Physical exercise is recommended for everyone to keep themselves healthy. In the same way, mental exercise can take many forms but is equally as important. It helps a person cope with the stress that comes with fulfilling demanding responsibilities. For university students especially, these responsibilities generally include studying, employment, and maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends.
The following are some simple mental exercises that can become part of your everyday life and will benefit your mental health.
A positive attitude is key. Staying energetic, happy, and relaxed, and surrounding yourself with positive people can benefit mental health.
“It puts the mind in a condition to succeed,” wrote Roger Fritz, author of The Power of a Positive Attitude. “It sharpens the perceptions and makes them keener. It gives you a renewal source. It turns you about so that you face toward your goal, toward certainty, toward confidence and assurance, instead of doubt, fear, and uncertainty.”
Exploring new experiences is another great mental exercise. Stress is a common cause of mental health issues, so try to step outside of your comfort zone and explore new places, activities, and ideas. Try to join a new club on campus, or take a different class as an elective. Trying new activities “can be a great stress reliever,” wrote psychologist Dr. Stephanie Smith. “It helps us break out of our normal patterns of behaviour.”
Building positive real-world relationships is also very important. Spend some time away from your cellphone and engage in face-to-face conversations with people who are great listeners and are generally upbeat, positive, and interested in you.
You should always remember to treat yourself. Take some time off to do the things you truly enjoy. Play a sport, watch a movie, read a book, or enjoy a good meal with or without friends.
It’s not difficult to take care of your mental health, but not doing so can have negative consequences for your life. Start doing these simple mental exercises today.
Herleen Sethi, Contributor
