“Even in the darkest moments, light exists if you have faith to see it” – Dean Koontz
“It’s okay not to be okay.” — Maya Angelou 
We all have those moments where there may be self-doubt or just having a terrible day really makes one feel miserable, the problem is when every day, is a “terrible day”. 
According to the Global Wellness Institute:
“Mental wellness is an active, multidimensional process of feeling, thinking, connecting, and functioning in ways that enhance your well-being. 
Cultivating mental wellness helps you build resilience, cope with stress, and lead a more meaningful life. “
How mental wellness is different from mental health
While often used interchangeably, the terms “mental wellness” and “mental health” have distinct differences. 
 Mental health is the overall state of your mental functioning, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It exists on a continuum that can fluctuate based on biological, environmental, and social factors.
Mental wellness is the proactive, positive-oriented approach to strengthening your mental health.  It focuses on building resilience and moving toward a state of flourishing, even if you are also managing a mental health condition. 
Key aspects of mental wellness
Mental wellness is a holistic concept that includes multiple interconnected dimensions. Nurturing these areas can improve your overall sense of well-being. 
Emotional: Involves identifying, understanding, and managing your emotions in a healthy way.
Social: Pertains to building and maintaining healthy, supportive relationships with others to combat loneliness and create a sense of belonging.
Financial: Includes feeling in control of your financial situation and being able to manage setbacks, which reduces stress.
Physical: Involves taking care of your body through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep. Your physical and mental health are closely connected.
Purpose and Meaning: Centers on feeling that your life has meaning through your work, volunteering, hobbies, or spirituality
October is Mental Health Awareness month and in view of this I thought it best to focus on tips to improve Mental wellness:
How to improve your mental wellness
You can actively enhance your mental wellness through regular, intentional practices. 
Move your body: Regular physical activity, such as walking, dancing, or gardening, releases “feel-good” hormones and is a powerful way to reduce stress and improve mood.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a calming bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed to improve your mood and energy.
Connect with others: Nurture your relationships with friends and family. Face-to-face interaction is particularly effective for boosting mood and calming your nervous system.
Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment by engaging your senses. Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help you manage stress and gain control over anxious thoughts.
Limit negative content: Reduce time on social media and news if it negatively affects your mood. Instead, focus on more meaningful and enjoyable activities.
Practice gratitude: Make it a daily habit to acknowledge and appreciate the good things in your life. This can shift your perspective and help you recognize positive emotions.
Set boundaries: Learn to say “no” to new tasks and create healthy boundaries with people in your life to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Spend time in nature: Studies show that as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can improve psychological well-being. Look for green spaces in your area or bring nature indoors. 
When to seek professional help
While these strategies can significantly improve your mental wellness, they are not a substitute for professional treatment. Consider seeking help from a mental health professional if you: 
•  Experience persistent stress, anxiety, or sadness.
•  Notice a decrease in motivation or significant changes in your appetite and sleep patterns.
•  Find it difficult to get through the day or feel overwhelmed.
•  Are relying on alcohol or other substances to cope with your emotions.
For immediate emotional support, you may visit the following link as supplied by the SA Federation for Mental Health: Click Here
Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder – unknown.

Arthur
CEO