Our Minds | Our Rights
As we step into World Mental Health Day 2023, it’s a chance for us to come together, not just as individuals, but as a community bound by the idea that mental health is a fundamental human right. This year, the theme is simple yet powerful: ‘Mental health is a universal human right.’
Let’s take a moment to ponder this – mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s something every single one of us deserves. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you have the right to the highest standard of mental well-being. This means not only being shielded from mental health challenges but also having access to the support you need, when you need it, in a way that feels comfortable and respectful. It’s about having the freedom to live life on your terms while being part of a vibrant, inclusive community.
We often hear about the mind-body connection, and it’s no exaggeration. Good mental health is the cornerstone of overall well-being. It affects not just how we feel inside but also how we interact with the world, including our physical health and the relationships we build. Sadly, one out of every eight people worldwide grapples with mental health issues, and these challenges ripple through their lives, impacting their physical health, happiness, connections with others, and even their livelihoods. And let’s not forget our young folks; they’re facing these hurdles too.
Yet, it’s high time we shift the narrative. Having a mental health condition should never be a reason to strip someone of their human rights or exclude them from decisions about their own health. But, around the globe, people with mental health conditions face a range of injustices. Many find themselves isolated and discriminated against, and for too many, the care they need is either out of reach or falls short of respecting their human rights.
So, as we explore the importance of mental health this year, let’s remember that our mental well-being is not separate from our physical health; they’re intertwined. It’s time to come together, learn, and take action to ensure that mental health is a universal right for all.
Welcome to our journey toward a healthier mind and body, because it all starts within.
Good Health Begins With A Thought
Achieving long-term mental health and physical wellness is a balancing act. Quite simply, what you put into your mind may have as much of an impact as the food and supplements you feed your body.
Many studies have been conducted on the mind-body connection. What we know for sure is that a positive attitude works – when we remember to nurture it.
Wholesome food, avoiding sugar and toxins are obvious tools for great health but how should you deal with the consequences of negative thinking and stress?
Experts rate exercise, sufficient sleep, controlling negative thoughts and building a strong social support as some of the best ways to decrease stress and boost immunity – so paying attention to your feelings and needs is as vital as drinking enough water and avoiding junk food.
Winning ways to promote good mind-body health
1. Exercise
The release of endorphins during exercise promotes a sense of wellbeing, which has the added benefit of boosting your immune system.
During exercise, the lymphatic system – a network of tissues and organs that helps your body to eliminate toxins and waste – is mobilised. Its main role is to transport lymph fluid, which contains infection-fighting white blood cells. Unlike the blood, which is transported by the heart, lymph fluid only moves if you do.
A recent study from a North Carolina university showed that people who exercised for five or more days weekly experienced 43% fewer days of upper respiratory infections.
Walking, running or any other muscle-moving activity also dramatically reduces stress by ‘working off steam’ when you are upset or angry. With the release of endorphins, your body receives a natural mood boost, resulting in reduced stress levels, which in turn puts less pressure on your immune system.
2.Get enough sleep
According to an American Psychological Association study, stress is what keeps more than 40% of adults awake at night. To aim for the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night, avoid caffeine, digital screens and try to turn in at the same time each evening
3.Focus on self-care
Make an effort to do something nice for yourself every day. Neglecting your own needs adds unnecessary stress to the system, resulting in increased vulnerability to illness.
Women, in particular, tend to put their own needs last, especially if they’re caring for children and/or elderly parents. If you battle with guilt when you take an hour off to read, go for a manicure or have a coffee with a friend, remind yourself that if your bucket is empty, you’ll have nothing left to give anyone else. Simple, but effective.
4. Mindfulness
You cut in half the chances of catching a cold by meditating. A University of Wisconsin study showed that people who practised mindfulness – a type of meditation or mental state achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment, while accepting feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations – noted 13 fewer illnesses and took 51 fewer sick days. Researchers concluded that this reduced the physical effects of stress, which is known to weaken the immune system.
5. It takes a village …
Building strong social connections has proven psychological and physiological benefits. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, having a ‘support group’ – no matter how big or small – boosts immunity by creating ‘stress buffers’.
Being able to share stress or concerns with close family or friends provides an opportunity for outside support and advice, which alleviates a sense of being alone in your situation.
Ongoing stress is also a contributing factor to many chronic diseases, and is seriously not helpful if you are trying to lose weight.
“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.”
~ Jack Kornfield, American author and Buddhist mindfulness pioneer.
What will better mind body health give you in your life? Who else will benefit?
If there is anything that has come up for you as a result of reading this, I warmly invite you to book in for a free 45-minute health and energy session to see just how a personalised health and lifestyle coaching programme can help make the difference in the process of change. You can book yourself directly into my diary by clicking right here on the button below.
No Comments