Keeping in Touch Easy wellness habits
Comparable to physical health, feeling good mentally enables us to enjoy life and handle challenges that it throws our way. Healthy body and mind
Not too long ago, being healthy implied absence of disease; if you were not sick, you were healthy. In terms of mental health, the same was true, but because of developments in medicine and psychology, the definition of health evolved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.1
So, what is mental health?
“Mental health is the state of your psychological and emotional wellbeing. It is a necessary resource for living a healthy life and a main factor in overall health.”2
Mental health encompasses a broad range of emotional and social factors. It touches all realms of our lives, both personal (for example, psychological, emotional, cognitive, etc.) and interpersonal (family, community, professional, romantic relationships, etc.).
Influences
Although we all tend to have ups and downs, some days may be more challenging than others. Each day, positive and negative experiences influence our mental health, such as a child’s great report card, an aging parent with disabilities, an exciting new job prospect, a cancer diagnosis, etc.
Whether or not we are aware of it, throughout the day, we live emotions that alter our mental state; good news gives us a boost, while bad news drags us down.2
Staying mentally fit
Of course, we know that our bodies need regular exercise to stay in shape, yet we often forget and even neglect our mental health. Similar to any fitness program, there is no quick fix to mental wellness. It takes practice, time, and support.3
How do we exercise our mental health? Although there is no one surefire or one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, the following habits can help improve or maintain mental health:3
• Recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
• Acknowledge that life is challenging.
• Accept yourself for who you are and do likewise for others.
• Set realistic goals.
• Create healthy and trusting relationships.
• Give meaning to life by continuing to learn and discover.
• Try new things, whether it be joining a walking group or learning to make sushi.
• Make time for self-care such as meeting a friend for coffee, going to bed early or walking in the woods.
Life is challenging. It is important to feel supported, safe and secure. What is increasingly crucial is having a sense of belonging, whether in your community or with your family and friends.4
How can you help others?
Keep in mind that your family and friends, the cashier at the grocery store or the woman you see on your morning walk are more than likely dealing with some issues; sometimes a smile or a compliment can make a difference in their day.
Make a positive contribution to your living or working environment by getting involved: attend your town’s movie in the park night, organize “Bagel Tuesdays” at the office or volunteer to coach mini volleyball. A little goes a long way in changing someone’s outlook.4
If you feel the need to talk to someone, check out the many local and regional organizations and services available in the Townships.
Vent Over Tea offers free and confidential active listening services. Online throughout the Townships and in-person in the Sherbrooke area. Visit ventovertea.com or email info@ ventovertea.com
Centre l’élan offers support for people experiencing mental health issues, either for individual or group support. Call 819-843-8885, visit centreelan.org or email direction. centrelan@gmail.org
Mental Health Estrie is a non-profit community organization serving family, friends, and individuals impacted by a mental illness. Services include support groups, information and referrals, workshops, a lending library, and much more. Call 819-5653777, visit mentalhealthestrie.com or email info@mentalhealthestrie.com
Lennoxville & District Women’s Centre empowers and connects English-speaking women and their families via activities, workshops, and support services. Call 819-564-6626, visit https://www.ldwc.ca or email info@ldwc.ca
811 Info-social offers health and psychosocial information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dial 811 or visit quebec.ca
This monthly column keeps you in touch with Townshippers’ Association’s activities and news. Other ways to keep in touch:
Online
Resources
www.townshippers.org Facebook.com/townshippers Twitter @Townshippers
Random acts of kindness; small gestures can truly brighten someone’s day and be good for our mental health.
In person
3355 College St., Sherbrooke 3-584 Knowlton Rd., Lac-brome
By phone 819-566-5717 450-242-4421
References:
1. Government of Canada. www. canada.ca/en/public-health/services/ health-promotion/population-health/ population-health-approach/what-ishealth.html. Accessed April 7, 2024.
2. Government of Canada. www. canada.ca/en/public-health/topics/ mental-health-wellness.html. Accessed April 7, 2024.
3. Government of Canada. www. canada.ca/en/public-health/services/ about-mental-health.html#a2. Accessed April 7, 2024.
4. Government of Canada. https:// www.canada.ca/en/public-health/ services/about-mental-health.html#a2. Accessed April 7, 2024.
5. Government of Canada. www. psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/modernmentality/201803/are-adult-coloringbooks-actually-helpful. Accessed April 8, 2024.