Good physical health is a precursor to good mental health, and focusing on lifestyle habits that are practiced every day is the first step to overall wellness.

Good health is much more than physical well-being. It also includes social and mental health, which are prime elements for overall wellness. When a person is mentally and physically healthy, they can effectively cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and, therefore, effectively contribute to their community.

Ahead are some easy tips and techniques you can implement this year to focus on and prioritize your mental health.

Prioritize spirituality

There’s no doubt that spirituality offers many mental health benefits. It helps in strengthening our adaptive capacity and coping resources. The emotional calmness achieved through meditation, yoga, and prayer can help sail through challenging situations.

Social connectivity

Human beings are not supposed to live in isolation. While being away from people can help recharge your batteries and creative pursuits, it is also essential to be social. Having a good and thriving social life can help individuals build a network of connections, which can help them in crises. This group of people, whether they are family or friends, can be a great source of comfort in times of distress and, at the same time, also help to celebrate the big wins in life.

Exercise gratitude

Dr. Sanjay Kumavat, Consultant Psychiatrist & Sexologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund advises, “Every day, set aside some time to thank God and consider the good things in your life. Writing in a journal, listing your blessings, or showing appreciation to others are some ways to accomplish this. You may improve your general sense of well-being and change your perspective by concentrating on the positive aspects of your life.”

Limited use of social media

In the current age, being completely disconnected from digital media is nearly impossible. However, it is essential to draw the line between social media consumption and overconsumption, so that it does not encroach into everyday functioning. To do this, it is crucial to judiciously use social media so that it helps us create a network of good friends, increase our knowledge base, and empower us in the right way.

Live in the present

Refrain from obsessing over previous transgressions or overly anticipating the future. Accept the experiences that the present moment offers and live in the now. By keeping you present and grounded, mindfulness practices can lower stress and foster a positive mindset.

Saying no to substance abuse

Substance abuse and being in a social circle where there is the promotion of such behavior hinders our growth and weakens our defenses against substance abuse. Besides creating a lot of physical and mental problems, it can have long-term repercussions as well. This is especially true for adolescents and young people, which is why staying away from drugs of any kind is highly important.

Inculcating good lifestyle practices

This can include various lifestyle habits vital for overall wellness. Some of them are focusing on having a well-balanced diet, getting quality sleep of eight hours every night, and regular exercises, all of which contribute to helping you stay and be emotionally and physically strong, especially when things are stressful.