Today’s special awareness as “World Mental Health Day” reminds us of the importance of ageing well. One’s physical and mental health are connected and therefore we must take care of them both. The Canadian Mental Health Association is just one of the many associations that tells of link between physical and mental health. We have gathered 5 tips that will help you nourish your mental health as you age:
1. Exercise
After learning of the link between physical and mental health, it is no surprise that exercise is a vital part of keeping one’s mental health in check. Exercise of any form, even a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood, is incredibly beneficial. The more active you are, the happier you will be
2. Be Mindful
Taking 5 to 10 minutes to oneself a day can be life-altering for one’s mental state. It is important to reflect on your emotions and your day. This can be done through 5 to 10 minutes of silence and breathing exercises or through journaling what you are thinking.
3. Connect
Staying connected to your family, friends, and communities is essential for your mental health. In these relationships, we can find a purpose for our lives. A study shows that people with adequate social relationships were 50% more likely to live longer.
4. Eat Well
Nutrition of our bodies feeds into the nutrition of our minds. What you feed your body will have a direct impact on how you feel. If you eat unhealthy, you may feel dreary and uncomfortable. However, if you feed your body with the right nutrients you will have more energy and happiness.
5. Laugh
Laughing is the best medicine! Try to find joy in as many situations as you can. Many health benefits come from a good laugh, one being balance between your body and your mind.
