The CDC states, "Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices".
Did you know that our social connections and the quality of our relationships significantly influence our emotional state and mental wellness? Additionally, our psychological well-being helps us nurture a positive mindset, manage stress, and engage in self-care practices—all of which are crucial for maintaining optimal mental health. That said, it's important to recognize that mental health is about more than working out and eating healthy; our social and psychological well-being are just as crucial for a healthy mind.
SOCIAL WELL-BEING
People with robust social support systems are less likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and are better equipped to cope with stress and life's challenges. Social support can also provide a sense of purpose, belonging, and meaning, contributing to overall well-being. Improving your social well-being can, in turn, improve your ability to; make connections, care for yourself while caring for others, become more physically active, and establish healthy habits & relationships.
5 benefits of a healthy social life
Emotional Support: A healthy social life provides emotional support, allowing individuals to share their joys, sorrows, and challenges with trusted friends and family.
Reduced Loneliness: Engaging in social activities and maintaining meaningful relationships can enhance a sense of belonging to help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Improved Mental Health: A vibrant social life positively impacts mental health. Regular social interactions promote happiness, contentment, and overall life satisfaction.
Enhanced Coping Skills: A healthy social life offers opportunities to learn from others, develop effective problem-solving strategies, and acquire valuable insights to enhance our coping skills and resilience.
Increased Quality of Life: Social interactions provide opportunities for personal growth, create lasting memories, and enhance overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Note: It's important to remember that the benefits of a healthy social life can vary for individuals, and the specific advantages may differ based on personal preferences and circumstances.
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
Psychological well-being is closely interconnected with both physical and mental health. A healthy psychological state promotes resilience, emotional stability, and positive thinking, contributing to better mental health outcomes and a reduced risk of mental health disorders. When our psychological well-being is in good shape, we are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, positively impacting our physical health. Here are two practices that can be added to your mental health routine to help relieve stress and promote a healthier state of mind.
Power of Breath
Breathwork can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. Deep breathing techniques have been shown to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall emotional well-being.
How we breathe affects our nervous system, and slow, deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and rest. This can help reduce stress's physiological symptoms, such as an increased heart rate, muscle tension, and shallow breathing.
Breathwork can also help to increase mindfulness and present-moment awareness, which can help to reduce rumination and negative thinking patterns and improve emotional regulation. By focusing on the breath, we can learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment and create more space to choose how we respond to them.
Power of Mind
The power of the mind can play a significant role in promoting mental health. Here are some ways the mind affects mental health:
Positive thinking: A positive mindset can help improve mental health. It can boost self-esteem and confidence, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase resilience.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve mental health. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment or distraction.
Visualization: Visualization techniques can help individuals to imagine themselves in favourable situations, which can lead to increased confidence and reduced anxiety.
Self-talk: Positive self-talk can help individuals to develop a more positive mindset and increase resilience. Negative self-talk, on the other hand, can contribute to anxiety and depression.
Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
RESOURCES
We are happy to announce that we have enhanced Plan Group's Mental Health coverage to $1000 per benefit year, effective January 1st, 2023. We have also added more paramedical practitioners to our list of paramedical practitioners covered under Mental Health.
Registered Counselors
Family Therapist
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Psychotherapist
Psychoanalyst
Social Worker
Clinical Counselor
Plan Group also has a free and confidential employee family assistance program (EFAP) for our staff and their families, which can be reached 24/7/365 at 1-877-630-6701 or online.
There are also great apps to download, like Headspace and Calm, who have created free content like guided mediations to help ease feelings of anxiety.
If you would like more information and resources on Mental Health, you can visit the CDC online at CDC – Mental Health.
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