Taking care of our psychological well-being is essential for overall well-being, and it's important to remember that it's a journey, not a destination. The phrase "invest in your mental health, it will pay dividends for life" highlights the long-term benefits of prioritizing our mental health.
Research has shown that investing in our mental health can lead to improved physical health, better relationships, and increased productivity.1
Research indicates that more productivity is linked to improved states of mind. Programs for well-being that enhance psychological wellness have a substantial impact on job performance and potential, and they can increase productivity. 2
It's important to prioritize our psychological wellness as it serves as the foundation for our overall well-being.
When we prioritize our mental health, we are better equipped to handle stress, cope with challenges, and maintain healthy relationships.
On the other hand, neglecting our psychological wellness can lead to negative consequences such as increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
Our world wasn’t set up to respond to mental health needs before COVID-19 – and it certainly isn’t now. It is estimated 284 million and 265 million people are suffering from anxiety and depression respectively. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. Yet only around 2% of health budgets are spent on mental health. These alarming statistics show there is a crisis of inaction on mental health all over the world. 3
Taking action to improve psychological health
Taking time for ourselves is crucial for our psychological well-being. Activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and creative expression can help improve our mood and reduce stress.
It's important to remember that everyone's emotional well-being journey is unique and what works for one person may not work for another.
However, there are some general steps we can all take to prioritize our emotional well-being.These include:
Taking time for ourselves
This can include practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. A Study shows promising results that mindful art therapy can reduce anxiety. 4
Seeking support
This can be in the form of therapy, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or joining a support group.
Prioritizing healthy habits
This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding substance abuse.
Setting boundaries
This can mean learning to say no when necessary, setting realistic expectations for ourselves, and avoiding overcommitting.
By prioritizing our mental health and investing in our well-being, we are taking steps towards living a happier, healthier life.
Remember, fostering a healthy mind is a journey and it's never too late to start taking care of ourselves. So, take time for yourself, prioritize your mental health, and watch the positive effects it has on your life.
Citations:
Hicks, T. (2021, January 25). How improving your mental health will help your overall physical health. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-improving-your-mental-health-will-help-your-overall-physical-health
Aquino, P. G. (2020). Employees’ Mental Health and Productivity and its Impact on Contextual and Task Performance in Organizations. Journal of Advanced Research in Dynamical and Control Systems, 12(SP8), 708–719. https://doi.org/10.5373/jardcs/v12sp8/20202573
Why investment in mental health is needed now more than ever. (2023, March 7). World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/good-mental-health-is-the-foundation-of-happy-healthy-and-productive-lives/
Borah, T., 1, Roy Choudhury, Dr. N., 2, & American Psychological Association (APA). (2022). Art therapy: coping mechanism for anxiety. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 11(3). https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v11i3/SR22324035435.pdf
Comments