Mental Wellness

How often do you stop and consider your mental wellness? Mental wellness is much more than simply the absence of mental illness, it means that your mind is in order and functioning in your best interest. You are able to think, feel, and act in ways that create a positive impact on your physical and social well-being. One of the best ways to take care of your mental wellness is by taking time to sharpen the saw. This means having a balanced program for self-renewal, taking care of yourself mentally and physically, doing things that you currently enjoy, and finding new areas of personal enjoyment. Although finding mental wellness will be a journey, there are some small things you can add to your every day that will help to sharpen your saw and boost your mental well-being.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy, balanced lifestyle includes so much more than just eating well and exercising regularly. It also means getting enough sleep, showing yourself compassion, taking time to relax, and limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption. These things will help to reduce stress and keep a positive mindset.

Be Mindful

Pay attention to your needs and feelings. When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, accept those feelings and take some extra time for yourself. Take deep breaths, enjoy a short stroll, or find a quiet place and meditate for a few minutes. Express your thoughts through a journal to better understand your feelings.

Build Strong Relationships

Make time for family and friends, and share life’s joys and sorrows with them. Having a strong support system will build your confidence and give you people to turn to when things get hard. Take time to build these relationships by going out to dinner, initiating phone calls, and having meaningful conversations.

Mentally well people are positive, self-assured, and happy. They are in control of their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. This enables them to handle challenges, build strong relationships, and enjoy life. Sustaining mental health requires time and effort. The more you invest in your mental health, the stronger it will become. Think of Aesop’s fable about the countryman with the goose that laid golden eggs. Despite getting a golden egg once a day, the man became impatient and killed the goose to try and attain more riches. However, once the goose was dead the man found there was no way to get more golden eggs. If we aren’t mindful, we could do similar damage to ourselves. If we don’t take care of our mental wellness, we will wear out, grow weak or fall behind—until we are no longer able to provide or produce what we would like.

There are many ways your planner can help you take time for your mental wellness. Schedule moments of peace, track your water intake, list what you’re grateful for, and more. For more ideas and direction, check out our many forms that can help you with your wellness goals.