World Health Day 2023: Importance of Self-Care For Your Mental Health

World Health Day 2023: Why is it important to take care of your mental health? | 10 Tips to work on your mental health.

World Health Day 2023: “Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life by suicide,” says the WHO. This is what mental disturbances and disorders such as depression lead to. The data is terrifying and worrying enough. That’s why on World Health Day, Dr. Ranjan Bhattacharyya, MD, DNB (Psychiatry), MNAMS, DFAPA, CLIRNET Community Member (DocTube Creator) has shared the importance of self-care in maintaining your mental health. .

Also, to stay mentally fit, one doesn’t just have to be positive in life. There is much more that needs to be done for overall happiness to have a feeling of satisfaction in life.

1. Regular Exercises- 30 minutes of exercise releases endorphin, a substance that makes you feel good and gives you energy to keep you motivated throughout the day.
2. Diet- A healthy, nutritious and balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables in season rejuvenates the nerves and reduces the risk of stress-induced free radical damage.
3. Sleep- Adequate sleep for 6 to 8 hours a day with no daytime naps and blue light exposure (TV, laptop, computer, smartphone) just before bed.
4. MeditationYou should aim to practice relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises, and Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) on a regularly scheduled time.
5. Recreational activities: Participate in listening to music, singing songs, sports activities, etc.
6. Connectivity: Talking to someone you can trust can be face-to-face or through audio and video calls or messaging apps.
7. Say no to drugs and Psychoactive Substances of Abuse.
8. Focus on the world around you (see, hear, taste, touch and smell).
9. Respect and value yourself Avoid cynicism and self-criticism. Accept more, expect less.
10. set your limits and expectations Don’t rush or push yourself past the stretch point.

SELF-CARE IS NOT A LUXURY BUT A NECESSITY

Bala Krishna Reddy Dabbedi, Co-Founder and Director of Fittr and INFS says: “Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity to maintain mental health and general well-being. Taking the time to prioritize your needs and practice self-care can help you feel more balanced, relaxed, and resilient to life’s challenges. Some effective strategies for practicing self-care include exercising regularly, prioritizing rest and relaxation, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and connecting with others for support and social connection. To develop an effective self-care routine, it is essential to start small and gradually build up to more complex activities or practices. Be kind to yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do everything perfectly. Remember that self-care is a process and it’s okay to make mistakes or experience setbacks. With consistency and commitment, self-care can become a regular part of your routine for optimal mental health and well-being.”