There are many ways that mental health can affect your life. Here are the many ways that you can manage your mental health.
So, what is mental health? According to the World Health Organization, mental health is "state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community." Thus, maintaining mental health is crucial not only to accomplish the goals that one has, but it is also important to maintain the perseverance that is necessary to maintain the everyday struggles of life.
However, there are many cases where there are a decline in mental health. Such declines can be from factors such as: "personal life and relationships, money, work and housing, life changes , health issues, traumatic life events, smoking, alcohol, gambling and drug misuse" (National Health Service, UK). While these are all challenges that are may arise in one's lifetime, especially stress faced in everyday lives, these stressors must be managed in a way so that mental health can be maintained.
Especially as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the pandemic has made it increasingly difficult to maintain mental health for a lot of people.
Tips on maintaining mental health
Take breaks. It is important to take breaks, especially when facing lots of stress, or if you are overworked.
Make sure to get enough sleep. According to health.gov, teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night.
Practice mindfulness. According to Psychology Today, mindfulness is “a state of active, open attention to the present. This state is described as observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad.” Especially during the Pandemic, where people are isolated from others around them, it is important to be able to look into your mind at this moment, and live at the moment. In addition, it is important to be accepting of all your feelings and emotions that you are currently facing.
After asking other students about their knowledge on mental health, Tori Hwang mentioned how “mental health is very important, especially times like these. I think it should be treated as importantly as physical health.” In addition, Richard Hernandez mentioned how “in order to be truly healthy you need both mental and physical health.”
“You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent.” - Demi Lovato
Mental health is not only important to be maintained, but it must be done effectively so that you can do your best and accomplish the goals that you have.