We commonly associate mental health with what’s wrong – such as depression, anxiety and other illnesses. But those who understand wellness know that mental health is also about what’s going right. How long since your last mental health check-up? Because, as we’re now realising, mental health is just as critical as physical health to longevity. Here are nine wellbeing strategies that might help you (or your clients) live better!

1. Build Connections

Relationships are vital to your mental health and wellbeing. This wellbeing strategy is the foundation that helps you get through the difficult times and to celebrate the happy moments in life. If you’ve lost some of your connections, whether with friends, family or colleagues, take the time to rebuild. You’ll enjoy a better state of mind and a more full, enjoyable life when you share it with others. If it’s difficult to find social avenues to connect with people, invest in a hobby or volunteer work that gets you into a positive social group – perhaps it’s book club or work with Meals on Wheels.

2. Keep Learning

The lifeblood of personal development and growth – learning! When you keep your brain active, you’re mentally healthier and better prepared to take on new challenges. Learning new things also boosts your self-esteem and self-confidence. So, whether you want to learn to plant a garden, communicate with confidence or change your career, you’re doing your health good when you invest in your education. After all, education is one thing that no one can take away from you!

3. Stay Active

Regular, planned exercise is a wellbeing strategy that will boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve your sleep. The trick is to make it a habit. Habits are best (and most quickly adapted) when you do something every day at the same time. So, if getting up at 5 am for a 10km run isn’t your idea of a good time, don’t do it! Set a time of day when you feel most energetic, and your time is your own. You can learn more about the critical role of physical activity and movement in our wellbeing course.

4. Give Generously

Generosity is a bit underrated (if you ask us), and it’s a shame because it’s so good for you. In fact, evidence suggests that during gift-giving, we secrete “feel good” chemicals in our brains, such as serotonin (a mood-mediating chemical), dopamine (a feel-good chemical) and oxytocin (a compassion and bonding chemical)! And just like exercise and a healthy diet, generosity may increase your lifespan, according to a study.

5. Be Curious

Did you know that curious people are happier? Research is proving that being curious is linked with psychological, emotional, social and health benefits. One study shows that curiosity is associated with increased positive emotions, lower anxiety, greater satisfaction with life and better psychological wellbeing. Of course, maybe happier people are just more curious. Regardless, discovering something new does make us feel good – so it’s likely this relationship travels in both directions. So, get curious about life!

6. Forgive/Make Amends

If you’re holding onto grudges, it’s time to let go. Research has shown that forgiveness is linked to better mental health outcomes, including reduced depression, anxiety and major psychiatric disorders. It’s also linked with fewer physical health symptoms and lower mortality rates! So, forgive those who’ve wronged you and make amends with those who feel wronged by you. It’ll make you a happier, healthier person.

7. Embrace Nature

How much time do you spend out in nature? If you’re a city (or suburb) dweller, make time to travel into a forest now and then for your health’s sake. It turns out that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. In Japan, the nature as medicine exercise is called shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, and its benefits are legendary. In fact, in Japan, over 40 decades of research into shinrin-yoku has led to it being prescribed by health professionals.

8. Eat Healthily

Have you heard of “good mood foods”? They’re the foods that boost our energy, alertness and state of mind, but they’re not the type you might think. If you’re thinking stimulants – caffeine – or sugar- glucose hit – you’d be wrong. While these quick-fix choices might do the trick at the moment, you’ll pay for it down the track. Food (and drinks) have a significant impact on our wellbeing. So, what foods should we eat for better health and wellbeing? In a nutshell, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy and lots of water are best. Curious for more? Learn about nutrition and mood foods in our wellbeing courses.

9. Make Time for Mindfulness

If you have a health device, such as an Apple Watch, you’ll notice that you’re prompted throughout the day to be mindful. So, why does mindfulness matter as a wellbeing strategy? This ancient practice is about slowing down to be completely aware of what’s happening in the present. It means doing away with being on autopilot. Studies suggest mindfulness helps manage stress, cope with illness, and reduce anxiety and depression.

15 Fascinating Facts About Wellbeing

 Whether for your own knowledge or to entertainment your clients, we think these facts about health and wellbeing will fascinate and inform!

1. Laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20 per cent!
2. You burn more calories sleeping than watching television
3. You’re 1cm taller in the morning than in the evening
4. Anxiety can make bad smells even worse
5. Eating eggs improves your reflexes and intellectual performance – not unlike medical stimulants like Ritalin
6. Chewing gum sharpens your focus
7. Physically active pregnant women have smarter babies
8. Oatmeal and coffee help ward off depression
9. Bananas can boost your mood
10. Gratitude can increase happiness by as much as 25 per cent
11. Having a good social circle boosts your longevity by 50 per cent
12. Dehydration negatively impacts mood, memory and brain performance
13. Inactivity and excess sugar consumption is as bad as smoking for your health
14. Just 10 minutes of daily exercise can save your health
15. Brisk walking is nearly as healthy as running (the same distance) in lowering hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Why Study Health & Wellbeing?

If you’d like to improve your own health or your client’s wellbeing, consider our Certificate of Health and Wellbeing. You’ll learn about wellbeing strategies to boost physical, social, intellectual and emotional health and wellbeing to meet the demands of life. Whether for personal gain or to serve clients better through professional development, this course shows you how to optimise all areas of health and wellbeing.

 

Our online courses are an excellent way to test the waters before investing in further education. If you have any questions, contact one of our friendly Course Consultants via phone, Live Chat or email.