The Importance of Mental Health 

Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. Therefore, if you don’t have a healthy mental state it will be hard for you to live your life to the fullest extent.
If you find yourself agreeing to the above info, there's no need to panic. We can incorporate daily strategies, where you will be able to retrain your brain.  

Stay Positive !!! 

Every day has something positive in it.  Some days you just have to look a little harder.  Here are seven things you can do to bring positivity and happiness into your life.
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1. Write in a gratitude journal every day. Be specific! A number of studies have found gratitude to be linked with positive emotions, and overall well-being and life satisfaction.

2. Listen to music that sounds the way you want to feel.  Research has shown that music activates the region of the brain that releases the feel good chemical dopamine and also relaxes the body.  So “happy” music can in fact make you feel happier!

3. Share positivity by sending one thank-you email or doing one kind act every day. There are several studies that show that acts of kindness can boost happiness, reduce depression and even help you live longer.

​4. Challenge your negative thinking.  Ask yourself, “Is there another more positive way I could view this?”  Hundreds of studies have shown that being able to think optimistically is good for your health and well-being. 

5. Smile.  It might sound simplistic, but research has shown that it actually helps you feel happier.  Feedback sent to the brain from facial muscles can actually impact the development of emotions and the effect is even stronger if you combine the smile with a positive thought.  So smile at the next cute kid you see!

6. Follow your passion.  Do something you feel excited about.  Volunteer for a cause you believe in or sign up for a class to learn something new.  Several studies have shown that people who feel a sense of meaning in their life are healthier, live longer and have greater life satisfaction.
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7.Meditate. Even just 7-minutes of meditation a day has been shown to improve mood, decrease stress and improve sleep.  Regular meditators are calmer, have greater self-awareness and have better focus too. 

Health Tip:
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Benefits of regular physical activity:
​If you are regularly physically active, you may:

• reduce your risk of a heart attack
• manage your weight better
• have a lower blood cholesterol level
• lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
• have lower blood pressure
• have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower the risk of osteoporosis
• lower your risk of falls
• recover better from period of hospitalization or bed rest
• feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better. ​

You can do it !!!
Believe in yourself !!!