Make mental health a priority

MAY is recognised as Mental Health Awareness Month and it is important that we put practical measures in place to take care of our mental well-being. Many times the focus is on physical health — exercise, rest, diet and detox. However, what about our mental health? Are we making it a priority to ensure that we are well mentally? In the same way that exercise makes the body fit and healthy, so do mental exercises like deep breathing and mindfulness aid in good mental health. We are advised to watch our sugar, cholesterol and salt intake, but we should also pay attention to what we feed our minds on. In a world immersed with tonnes of information, we have to be intentional of what we watch, read and listen to. We should feed our minds on positive and uplifting things. Rest is not only important for the body but also for the mind and so despite our hectic schedules, a deliberate effort should be made for rest, relaxation and recreation which will re-energise our minds. Mental detox is also absolutely necessary. With the realities of stress and negativity surrounding us, we should detox our minds by reframing our thoughts. That is, trading negative thoughts for positive ones.How do we make mental health a priority? Here are some practical ways:Practice peaceIt is imperative to note that peace is not the absence of trouble, but the realisation that we do not have to let those troubling circumstances trouble us. Peace comes when we focus on what we can control and let go off the things that we cannot control.Be grateful alwaysGratitude is the right attitude. It shifts our perspectives and alters our mood. There is always something to be grateful for no matter how small. Focus on those things that you are thankful for especially in those times when you are tempted to complain. Be deliberate in finding the pleasantries even in the unpleasant circumstances.Have a strong support systemTo improve our mental well-being, we should surround ourselves with people who are agents of support and encouragement — people who can pray with and for us. The truth is, sometimes we do not need advice, we just need a listening ear. Find those people with whom you can share the highs and lows of life with. It can be a pastor, counsellor, trusted friends or family members that you choose to reach out to. You do not have to do life alone. When faced with stressful times, isolation is not the solution. Reach out to someone.With the everyday demands of life, we are tempted to put mental health on the back burner. However, this is dangerous. Let us be more intentional of making mental health our priority by watching what we feed our minds on and practise peace, embrace gratitude and have a strong support system.Shauna-Kay Douglas is a pastor, teacher, and author. Email her at [email protected].