8 Tips For Mental Wellness

Here are some tips that can help everyone improve their mental wellness:

1. Develop a positive attitude — people with positive attitudes are happier, more successful, and better able to handle crises and stress. And in concert with a positive attitude, get an attitude of gratitude for what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t.
2. Avoid negative self-talk — Learn to be thankful for the good rather than focusing on the negative issues.
3. View a crisis situation as an opportunity — creative problem-solving can expand your options. Try to make a list of good things that could result from the problem you’re having to solve.
4. Laugh — Humor is a great stress-reducer. Studies indicate laughter can make you healthier.
5. Exercise — Regular exercise increases energy and releases brain biochemicals to ward off depression and anxiety. Just a 15-minute walk a day will help keep body and soul together.
6. Improve your diet — During times of stress, you tend to skip meals or eat junk food. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fiber will help you maintain the physical and mental stress you need to deal with the situation.
7. Get enough rest — sleep disturbances are common during stress.
8. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Help can be just a phone call away.

For more information go to americanmentalwellness.org or to interiminc.org.

_{Interim, Inc. is a private nonprofit that provides support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County.}