#GetLoud for Mental Health: May 7th – 13th

Mental health is an important part of our overall health, and throughout our lives most of us will experience ups and downs. Just as positive thinking or an optimistic attitude can have a big impact on both our physical and mental health, life’s stressors such as difficult events or circumstances, or work or relationship issues can negatively impact our mental health.  

During this year’s Mental Health Week (May 7 – 13), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is focusing its attention to #GetLoud about what mental health really is and how we can support ourselves and others.  

Mental well-being is about finding balance, feeling good about things, and effectively managing life’s highs and lows. To maintain good mental well-being, there are tools available to help us cope with difficult situations and the many challenges we face. Here are a few ways we can improve our overall mental health:

• Connect with others. Connecting with people we trust during good and tough times is key to feeling well and to having good mental health.
• Be active. Exercise can reduce stress, boost our energy levels and improve our overall well-being.
• Be mindful. Mindfulness is “the state of being attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present.” Take notice of what’s going on around you and inside of you, it can help you make choices that better meet your needs and reduce your stress.
• Keep learning. Learning new things can foster our self-confidence and give us a sense of well-being. It also helps us change the way we think about problems, about ourselves and about the world.
•  Give back. Simple acts of kindness such as doing something nice for someone or volunteering your time can help you feel connected and can be incredibly rewarding.
• Take time for self-care. Set aside time for yourself to do things that boost your mood and overall well-being.

This week, let’s focus on the fact that we all have mental health and let’s #GetLoud in support of positive mental well-being. For more information visit https://mentalhealthweek.ca.