Be kind to your mind 

Make your mental health a priority.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. “Our mental health  helps lay the groundwork for how we live in this world.” said Cori Dixon-  Fyle, LCSW, a psychotherapist and founder of Thriving Path, LLC, a private  counseling practice in Chicago, Ill. 

At the point when we think of mental health, often times we think of mental illness. There is a whole other world to psychological well-being than not  being ill. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social  well-being. It impacts how we think, feel, and act. It helps determine how  we handle pressure, identify with others, and settle on decisions. Emotional  wellness is significant at each phase of life, from youth and pre-adulthood  through adulthood. 

Emotional well-being is the acceptance of one’s self and being  comfortable with who you are, as well as being able to experience many  emotions and be in control of your feelings. Those who are emotionally  stable have their own way of dealing with stress, either through exercise,  meditation, art, music, writing or even talk therapy. 

Mental illness often affects one’s emotional well-being. Some might feel  disconnected, worried, or numb. It is perfectly normal to experience this  sort of emotions time to time, as it is all part of life challenges. However, if  this sort of emotion gets uncontrollable, it might be characteristic of an  increasingly mental health difficulty. 

Psychological well-being implies adjusting to and reacting to life’s  difficulties without feeling overpowered. It includes developing in light of  hardships and growing new aspects of yourself. Psychological well-being  doesn’t imply that issues won’t emerge throughout everyday life. Some circumstances are beyond our control and it’s normal to face them at times,  as they help you grow, and often difficult path leads you to your best self. 

We often play many roles in life: family, personal, professional and social. It  can sometimes be daunting and challenging to be wearing many caps and  trying to find a balance between what most of us are actively trying to  achieve. Social well-being is an element of our overall well-being. If we don’t  have strong and healthy relationships in our lives, our ability to thrive is 

limited. Healthy relationships can impact us mentally and physically. They  can help us manage stress, live longer, and become healthier. 

Social media well-being can be associated positively and negatively, for  example being able to collaborate, network or even create your own  community. On the other hand, a great deal of research has demonstrated  that social media is negatively related with mental health and well-being,  leading to high risk of depression and anxiety. For example, worry about  missing out, disconnecting from friends, or even missing the latest apps. 

Some of the ways to maintain positive mental well-being, would be simply  by asking for help! Trying to stay positive even during tough situations,  connecting with friends and family, getting enough sleep, getting physically active, developing new skills, helping others and most importantly being  present. 

My mental well-being

There have been many challenges, I faced in my physical and mental well-being. My first 5k MEC Toronto race in 2017, was my starting point towards  mental wellness, from 5k to 10k, 15k, and half marathon runs helped me  find my strength, along with mindful meditation. As growing up, other’s  options seemed to be more important than my own, which led to more  insecurities, self-doubt, fear and lack of self-love. 

We all have our tipping point in life, and I knew I had to overcome these  challenges. Through long-distance running and changes in other exercise  methods, I not only learned to increase speed and strength, but also callous my mind. This stopped me from being afraid, constantly seeking approval,  and sticking to things that no longer serve me. My fitness journey has changed my view of myself and how I see the world today. 

Everything will be okay in the end. So, if it’s not okay now. It’s not the end. 

Words: Gargie Kejriwal  www.fromylens.com