Mental Health by Maria

 When we talk about mental health, we are talking about emotional, psychological, and social wellness. Our mental health includes how we think, feel, and act. It determines our success and ability to handle life’s stressors, adapt to change, relate to others, regulate our behaviors, and make decisions and choices. 

Mental health, defined by the World Health Organization, is "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". 

Looking after your mental health is so important, and it could only happens by:

- Keep it cool for a good night's sleep. The optimal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.

- Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.

- Spend some time with a furry friend. Time with animals lowers the stress hormone - cortisol, and boosts oxytocin - which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.

- Be a tourist in your nature. Often times people only explore attractions on trips, but you may be surprised what cool things are in your own backyard.

- Boost brainpower by treating yourself to a couple pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The flavanoids, caffeine, and theobromine in chocolate are thought to work together to improve alertness and mental skills.

In conclusion, improving our mental health is the key factor for happiness and for having a clean healthy life, as well as good longevity with huge mental capabilities...

Maria Abdallah