ACQUIRING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

"A stitch in time saves nine.” “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Sayings such as these can be applied to our maintaining good health. Absence of distressing symptoms does not necessarily mean good health. To take medicines for diseases which have developed is comparable to the behaviour of those persons who begin to dig a well after they are thirsty.

Why do so few, give thought to health maintenance? Many may feel they are too busy. The average person does not have any real mission in life – something very important for one who hopes to accomplish the best according to one’s abilities. Many ignore following a routine of rest, and exercise tailored to their individual needs. Sensible eating habits is a remedy for mental health maintenance. Being overweight, due to sedentary occupation, requires eating less by controlling one’s appetite.

Self control at the table – how can one accomplish it? It pays to do so. Some make it a rule not to take more than one helping if they have a variety in a meal, or cut down on rich desserts replacing it with a fruit. Eating slowly and at times skipping a meal prevents overeating. Others, limit themselves to fruits as one meal a day for health maintenance. Over refined and highly processed foods lower iron levels in the body and increase acid formation. Vegetables and apples have an alkalizing effect and also aid in keeping good physical as well as mental health.

Regular exercise has a remedial value for those suffering from diverse illnesses and promotes wellbeing in a person who is healthy. Working at a steady pace and not going full speed is beneficial. Musicians learn to relax if they have to perform at their best without undue fatigue. The same principle applies for work that require alertness. Relaxation provides physical ease and is conducive to mental and emotional balance.

Scheduling too much in a day and being active every waking moment, from the time one gets up until one goes to bed, weakens health. Taking regular breaks calms the mind. Sleeplessness may be caused by not eating right, neglecting workouts or excessive anxiety, feelings of guilt or any detrimental emotions. Slowing down in the evening helps the body and mind to relax.

Some become frustrated as they try to manage their daily responsibilities. The urge to become angry and blow off steam can be overpowering. People generally learn to express anger by copying the angry behaviour they see around them. Anger is, also, triggered when one feels slighted. An imagined threat to one’s authority or reputation stirs up feelings of provocation. Self-centered persons easily get affronted and may hold on to anger for days, weeks, months or longer.

Many believe that if negative emotions are bottled up or repressed, they would later resurface as a psychological disorder. But the best way to avoid saying or doing something that one may later regret, is not to get ‘heated up.’ People with very high expectations tend to have greater problems with anger. When something does not measure up to them, disappointment quickly follows. To combat this mentality, it is good to keep in mind that sooner or later each one will make errors.

‘Money sickness syndrome,’ is a term used for people who are stressed with money worries. They experience symptoms like skin rashes, anger and nervousness. Budgeting money gives an internal locus of control and reduces stress and strain. Showing empathy also improves health, well-being and relationships when one relieves the suffering of others. One feels happier, more optimistic, less lonely and less inclined to give in, to negative thoughts.

Empathy is the ability to share someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person’s situation. When others are unthankful or say unkind things, talking to a trusted friend about upsetting feelings can aid in staying emotionally balanced. Mental health experts say that people need spiritual values in order to be truly happy. We see this in the fact that one wants to belong to something or serve a cause greater than oneself. To satisfy this need, some devote their time to nature, art, music and similar things.

To have healthy emotions, one needs to have healthy thoughts despite setbacks. It will not happen by following the line of least resistance. Patiently taking one day at a time, moving at one’s own pace and knowing that balance is achievable in life’s daily activities makes it possible.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Rekha Kumar The writer is a leadership and personal development skills facilitator. rekhakumar@protonmail.com