From the Holladay Health Corner

The subject of mental health has been an increasingly hot topic lately and is a key component of your overall health and well-being. At Holladay, Health is a core value and we strive to support the physical, financial and professional health and well-being of our team and those we serve. In that vein, we’re bringing you today a simple list of 6 tips that can help you take control of improving and maintaining your mental health.

• Keep a positivity journal. There is scientific evidence that journaling provides many health benefits, including strengthening immune cells and easing asthma and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and even writing down negative experiences can help you get past them. Start your positivity journal by writing down one positive event that happens each day. As you progress, you can write down more positive experiences and accomplishments. Starting the day by writing down positive experiences will help you begin each day in a positive frame of mind, and when you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, you can go back through your journal and remember all the good things you’ve done!
• Drink a cup of coffee (or tea). Coffee has long been considered the staple of starting the day, but did you know that there are health benefits of caffeine that support this trend? Caffeine has been linked to lower rates of depression and decreased risks of degenerative brain disease and diabetes, as well as improved heart health. So go ahead and grab that morning joe or tea each morning.
• Be creative. Create a new recipe, paint, write a poem, or experiment with something you find on Pinterest. Engaging in creative activities like these really does improve your overall health including brain function and mental and physical health. The health benefits of creativity are numerous, including releasing dopamine which increases happiness, reducing symptoms of depression and dementia, easing anxiety and stress, boosting your immune system, and improving cognitive function. Find a creative outlet that works for you and go with it.
• Laugh out loud. Laughter really is the best medicine and there are some powerful benefits of humor. Laughter helps you relax, gives your immune system a boost, releases endorphins that make you feel better, strengthens relationships, and even provides temporary pain relief. The best part is that even after you stop laughing, all those positive feelings stay with you and can help you keep a positive attitude through tough situations. Take advance of those immense laughter benefits by cueing up YouTube, sharing a joke, or talking with friend that makes you laugh a great mental health boost.
• Dance like no one is watching. Not only is dancing a fun way to keep physically fit, it can also improve your mental health. Dancing has been linked to improved cognitive function as well as decreased risks of disability and dementia. Dancing also decreases stress levels and releases endorphins. So when your coworker asks you why you’re dancing in your cubicle, just say you’re improving your mental health and ask him or her to join in!
• Go outside. Not only does regular exposure to sunlight augment your vitamin D levels, which is linked to mood elevation, studies show that spending time in nature has many additional health benefits. These benefits include lowering the risk of heart disease, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure. Since exposure to nature also reduces stress levels, get outside and take a walk, ride a bike, or just sit on a park bench and soak in the benefits of nature.

Want some more tips? Check out 31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health from Mental Health America.