A Holistic Approach to Mental Wellbeing

What is it that constitutes mental wellness? Is it a positive outlook? Perhaps a good sense of self-worth or the ability to maintain close relationships?

The answer is all of the above, and more. Mental wellness is a deeply personal concept, which can look entirely different to different people. In essence, to be mentally well is to be in a position wherein one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are conducive to maintaining a good quality of life, while being a contributing member of society.

So, how does one go about reaching this state of being? As is often said about happiness, mental wellbeing too, is a journey and not a single destination. The pursuit of mental wellbeing requires consistent effort and introspection. Especially during a period of poor mental health, it is of paramount importance to remember that the process of healing is not linear. There will be guaranteed bad days on the path to regaining a sense of normalcy, however, if one continues to proactively seek mental wellness, these days will eventually become easier to handle.

Although stressors such as job demands, interpersonal relationships, and self-perception are often significant predictors of poor mental health, there are many other contributing factors. Examples of these include sleep quality, diet, frequency of exercise, overall physical health, and genetics. Coupled with an unhealthy diet, poor sleep quality can result in low mood, a lack of energy, irritability, and lethargy. These feelings are further exacerbated by leading a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in feelings of fatigue and apathy. Individuals suffering from chronic illnesses and those with close relatives who have mental illnesses are also at high risk of experiencing reduced mental wellbeing.

Today, the importance of applying a multidisciplinary approach to mental wellness is more apparent than ever. Facilitating open conversation with loved ones regarding one’s mental health results in feeling less lonely and provides relief through validation. Having the courage to recognise and ask for help is the first step forward in the healing process. Simultaneously, speaking to a mental health practitioner is vital in aiding one to identify triggers and build an arsenal of coping mechanisms to employ should any further difficulties arise.

Furthermore, maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet can result in increased energy and improved mood, and aid in the prevention of certain diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Additionally, frequent exercise results in increased endorphin levels in the body, reducing symptoms of stress and low mood, and improving self-esteem and productivity. Maintaining a good sleep schedule also increases energy levels and improves memory, focus, and mood. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises and mindful movements such as yoga or tai chi have also been clinically proven to improve mental wellbeing. These practices focus on bringing awareness back to the present moment and reducing overall stress levels. They provide individuals with a sense of clarity and improved mood that are vital in improving overall wellbeing.

Mental health difficulties result in a lot of tension being held in the body, leading to stiff muscles and associated pain. Techniques such as acupuncture or sports massages are helpful in releasing muscle tightness and lowering pain levels, directly improving both, mental and physical wellbeing. For religious and spiritual individuals, belief-oriented practices are also immensely helpful in releasing bodily tension and reducing overall stress levels.

In essence, humans are multifaceted beings with complex emotional needs. There is often no one correct solution to improve mental wellbeing, but rather a host of areas that require ongoing, specialised attention. Although initially daunting, everyone eventually finds practices that work for them, and these practices gradually become a part of everyday life. Remember, it is never too early nor too late to start looking after your mental wellbeing- it just takes that first step to set the ball rolling!