That’s when you remember what you’ve made: a list of New Year’s resolutions. Just like you do every year.
So far, so good, except for the items on the list, which were once again not fulfilled.
Who would Prometheus be, after all, if not all of us,
trying to build without worrying about the foundation?
According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Mental Health Report of June 2022, almost 1 billion people suffered from a mental disorder in 2019. The report also points out that in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic alone, depression and anxiety increased by more than 25%.
And when we talk
specifically about Brazil…
Brazil has the most anxious population in the world
And those with mental disorders are still the target of prejudice.
Brazil is the country with the highest prevalence of depression in Latin America
Data from the WHO’s latest mapping of the disease shows that 5.8% of the Brazilian population suffers from depression, or the equivalent of 11.7 million Brazilians.
Brazil is the second country in the world when it comes to hours of cell phone screen use (9 hours and 32 minutes)
Brazil “loses” only to South Africa, with 9 hours and 38 minutes.
Concern regarding mental health
should exist all over the world, among all people. But, as you can see, this issue in Brazil is even more important.
Mental health plays a fundamental role in a person’s quality of life, impacting their ability to keep relationships, achieve general well-being and fulfill objectives – such as the goals for a new year.
Mental health care not only reduces the risk of psychological disorders, but also strengthens the ability to cope with stress, increases emotional resilience and improves cognitive performance. Taking care of mental health means taking care of the basis of everything, and is an essential approach to anyone’s well-being.
How to take care of mental health?
Scroll sideways for some simple and effective tips
Seek professional help
First of all, don’t hesitate or be reluctant to seek advice from a mental health professional.
Therapy is extremely valuable for dealing with emotional challenges.
Have a healthy diet
A balanced diet provides the nutrients needed for the brain to function properly. Vitamins, minerals and fatty acids such as omega-3, for example, are essential for mental health.
Practice physical exercise
Regular exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals that work as natural painkillers and provide a sense of well-being.
Physical exercise is also effective in reducing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Get quality sleep
The right amount of sleep is essential for cognitive and emotional recovery. During sleep, the brain processes information, consolidates memories and regulates emotions, directly influencing mental state.
Lack of sleep negatively affects hormone levels, including those related to stress and appetite.
Meditate
Practicing techniques such as meditation and conscious breathing can help reduce stress and increase awareness of the present moment.
Nurture healthy relationships
Having positive and meaningful social connections is fundamental for emotional support. It’s worth remembering that famous phrase quoted by American businessman and author Jim Rohn: You are the average of the five people you most spend time with.
Connect with nature
Spending time outdoors and in contact with nature has proven to have mental health benefits, including stress reduction and improved mood.
Say thank you
Focusing on the things you are grateful for promotes a positive mindset and improves emotional well-being.
Set limits
Learning to say “no” when necessary, setting healthy boundaries and balancing commitments can reduce stress and emotional overload.
Limit your use of social networks
This helps to reduce social comparison and feelings of inadequacy.
Take it easy on
this list!
Having a list of resolutions for the New Year is a great idea, as long as the list includes mental health and is achievable.
Keep in
mind that:
Good mental health is connected to appropriate levels of attention, concentration and ability to focus.
Mental disorders or high levels of stress can impair these cognitive functions, making it difficult to dedicate yourself to achieving goals.
In addition, mental health is totally linked to the ability to make decisions, to emotional resilience, essential for overcoming adversity that inevitably arises when pursuing goals, to motivation, energy, self-esteem, confidence etc.
No one can handle absolutely everything.
Superheroes only exist in fiction. So there’s no problem with having to adapt objectives.
Your reality is unique.
You are the only one who knows the pains and pleasures of being who you are. So don’t compare yourself. Particularly because, on the internet, people don’t usually post their true realities.
The switch doesn’t turn from one minute to the next.
If you want to lose weight but have never exercised before, you first need to focus on a light exercise routine (and not on a high weight loss number, for example).
Don’t be like Prometheus, who accomplished nothing.
Remember that you can write anything on paper, but without “mental health” in your New Year’s resolutions, all your goals will be compromised.
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Technical Manager:
Sérgio Hércules – CRM (Regional Medical Board): 61.605
Sources:
D’Or Consultoria Health Management and links throughout the text