10 tips on how to stay mentally healthy

Mental health, as described by the World Health Organization, is "a state of well-being in which every 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." Review the following tips to stay mentally healthy.

1. Exercise your mind - Keep your brain sharp as you age by simple tricks like using your opposite hand, solving a riddle, writing a short story, and reading a book about a new subject.
2. Reduce stress - Learn the source of your stress, discover healthy coping mechanisms, eliminate unnecessary stressors, accept situations you have no control of, and develop relaxation techniques that work for you.
3. Increase self-esteem - Choose your thoughts wisely and speak more positively about yourself; say affirmation statements; view challenging situations as opportunities; engage in active listening; talk about your progress not troubles; be proactive and decisive about your life; and set boundaries when necessary.
4. Improve coping skills - Take an active role in creating your life; do not avoid something because you don't want to deal with it; have a positive attitude and believe in yourself; compare yourself with your own progress, not someone else's; eliminate distracting worries; and make sure you feel the importance of what you are doing.
5. Be resilient - Develop the ability to bounce back from negative situations; choose clarity and focus on productivity; let go of thoughts that no longer serve your purpose; realize your locus of control is internal; and maintain a sense of humor.
6. Build a strong support system - Surround yourself with positive people; avoid people or situations that drain your energy; ensure that your support team offers unconditional love; network with others who are motivated and aligned with your passions and purpose; and contribute genuinely to the group effort.
7. Tap into your creative genius - Be bold and transcend traditional roles, interpretations, and opinions; learn to think outside of the box; view situations from various perspectives; create by writing, dancing, drawing, knitting, or woodworking; and honor your natural talents, abilities, and passion.
8. Appeal to all of your senses - Use your abilities to taste, touch, smell, see, hear, and intuit when approached with new material in life; examine problems and solutions using your imagination and gut instincts; and address a challenge by writing about it, drawing pictures describing it, and researching it.
9. Enjoy leisure activities - Be spontaneous or schedule fun time by participating in activities that bring you joy; remember what used to make you laugh when you were younger; and try down-time activities that are inexpensive, like bike-riding, going to the library, and renting funny movies.
10. Spend time alone - Allow positive time for solitude, not negative loneliness time; strengthen the relationship you have with yourself; do a life review and determine what's out of balance; and contemplate all that you have and express appreciation.

More than the absence of mental illness, mental health involves the ability to enjoy life, resilience during adversity, balancing work and play, flexibility in the flow of life, and self-actualization or realizing your potential.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational use only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Contact a physician if you have any questions or concerns about your physical, mental, or emotional health.

Upcoming articles: Tips on how to stay emotionally and spiritually healthy.

Photo: Morguefile/darnok

Affirmations: My mind is in great shape. I keep my thoughts healthy and focused on good. I consciously choose and create a life filled with love, abundance, joy, health, and peace. I surround myself with positive situations and people. I release thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve my higher purpose.