“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”.

“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. “

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.

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

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.

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.

Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder – unknown.