The ability to enjoy life
The ability to enjoy life is essential for good mental health. Being aware of God’s blessings is one way to develop the ability to enjoy the present. Of course, sometimes we need to plan for the future and learn from the past, but too often we worry about the future and it ruins our mood. Sometimes we need to take time to just play and have fun.
Durability
The ability to overcome difficulties can also be called resilience. It is the ability to face problems, solve them, and learn from them. Some people are better able to handle stress than others, but everyone can learn to cope.
Balance
Balance seems to lead to better mental health. It creates awareness of how the mind and body interact. Just as our mental health can affect our physical health, the opposite is also true. We all need to maintain a balance between social time and alone time. Those who spend all their time alone can be labeled as loners and may lose some of their social skills. Extreme social isolation can even lead to a disconnect from reality. On the other hand, the need for solitude should not be completely ignored. Balancing these two needs is key. Other areas where balance is important are work-rest balance, sleep-wake balance, rest-exercise balance, and even indoor-outdoor time balance.
Flexibility
We all know people who are very rigid in their opinions. No amount of discussion can change their views. Such people often set themselves up for additional stress because of their rigidity. Working to make your expectations more flexible can improve your mental health. Emotional flexibility can be just as important as cognitive flexibility. Mentally healthy people experience a range of emotions and allow themselves to express those feelings. They are aware of what can go wrong. They have the ability to laugh at themselves and at the world.
Self-realization
What have we done with the talents we have been given? We all know people who have exceeded their potential and others who seem to have squandered their talents. We must first recognize our talents; the process of recognition is part of the journey to self-actualization. Mentally healthy people review their lives from time to time. They consider what their goals are and what steps they can take to achieve them. Mentally healthy people are those who are in the process of realizing their potential. Problems can arise when we feel that life is not fulfilling.
Healthy relationships
The ability to form healthy relationships is essential for mental health. Social contact with people we enjoy, whether at school, work, home or as a member of a club, helps develop social skills. This helps us to develop and maintain mutually satisfying personal relationships. It affects how we feel about others and develops empathy. It helps to develop self-confidence and assertiveness and encourages healthy sexuality. It is important to have someone to turn to with our problems and concerns, whether they are friends, teachers or family members – someone we can trust.
Tips for good mental health
- Do things you enjoy;
- moderate physical exercise;
- avoid consuming coffee, alcohol, nicotine and other addictive substances;
- remember and celebrate the things you like about yourself;
- keep things in perspective;
- develop and maintain friendships;
- listen to and respect other people, even if you disagree with them;
- ask for help if you feel upset or sad;
- listen to other people who say they feel upset or sad;
- Take care of yourself as much as you take care of those you care about.
Source used: https://women.adventist.org/six-keys-for-developing-good-mental-health
