I came across this fact sheet on the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario website (Copyright 1993, Mental Health Association, National Office. . Reading it makes so much sense.
Fact Sheets : Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario:
"Mental health means striking a balance in all aspects of your life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Reaching a balance is a learning process. At times, you may tip the balance too much in one direction and have to find your footing again. Your personal balance will be unique, and your challenge will be to stay mentally healthy by keeping that balance.
This pamphlet has been prepared with some suggestions to help you strike and keep your balance."
Build a Healthy Self Esteem : Take a good look at your good points. What do you do best? Where are your skills and interest areas? How would a friend describe you? Now, look at your weak points. What do you have difficulty doing? What things make you feel frustrated? Take a look at this list. Remember that all of us have our positive and negative sides. We let our strength shine and we build on our weak points to help us mature and grow.
Receive As Well As Give : The next time someone compliments you say "Thank you. I am glad you think so." Then think about other compliments you have had, and how good they made you feel.
Create Positive Parenting and Family Relationships : Make time to just be a family. Schedule time for both serious things and fun. Listen respectively without interruption to what each person has to say. Do it frequently.
Make Friends Who Count : Keep in touch - invite a friend to lunch. Encourage new friendships, as your friend to bring someone you've never met.
Figure Out Your Priorities : Write out a budget for yourself. Is it realistic? Have you planned what to do with the money left over for your "wants"? Which "wants" are most important to you?
Get Involved : Read to children at your local library; visit an elderly person in their home or in hospital; serve on a committee or board of your favorite charity; organize a clean up of a park or your local beach; help a neighbor clean out his/her garage.
Learn to Manage Stress Effectively : Each day, set aside 5 minutes for a mental health break. Close your office door or go into another room, and daydream about a place, person, or idea, or think about nothing at all! You will feel like you've been on a mini-vacation.
Cope With Changes That Affect You : Search out a support group that deals with the issues you are facing. By teaming up with people who share your problems, you may find a fresh solution. Try starting a group of your own by using the public service announcements in your local newspaper, radio station, or tv station.
Deal With Your Emotions : Find out what makes you happy, sad, joyful, or angry. What calms you down? Learn ways to deal with your moods. Share joyful news with a friend; "cry on a shoulder" when you feel blue. Physical exercise can help you deal with your anger. Keep a stack of your favorite funny cartoons, or a collection of humorous stories or video tapes for times when you feel you need to laugh.
Have a Spirituality To Call Your Own : You, Set aside quality time to be alone. Do a breathing exercise - try counting your breaths from one to four, then start at one again. Or do something you love to do, like dancing, going to a baseball game, building a bird house, whatever works for you!
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