Main Image via Internet 
 
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty about jobs and health for many Malaysians.
 

 
According to WHO, there has been increasing acknowledgement on the importance mental health plays in achieving global development goals. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds around the globe. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely as much as two decades early due to mental health related complications.
 
Here are 4 Tips on how to boost your mental health!
 
1. Get plenty of sleep
 
Sleep is important for our physical and mental health. Sleep helps to regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions. When we don't get enough sleep, we can start to feel depressed or anxious.
 
2. Exercise Regularly
 
Exercise is essential in maintaining good mental health. Being active not only gives you a sense of achievement, but it boosts the chemicals in your brain that help put you in a good mood. Exercising can help eliminate low mood, anxiety, stress and feeling tired and lazy. It is also linked to living a longer life.
 
3. Do something you enjoy
 
Make time for doing the fun things that you enjoy. If you like going for a walk, painting or a specific show, try to set aside time to enjoy yourself. If we don't spend any time doing things we enjoy, we can become irritable and unhappy. We can find joy in the thing we love to do.
 
 
4. Do things for others
 
Helping others isn't just good for the people you're helping; it's good for you too. Helping someone can help with your self-esteem and make you feel good about your place in the world. Feeling as though you're part of a community is a really important part of your mental health. As the saying goes “the best way to help yourself is by helping another”.
 
If you’re feeling low, remember there’s always a loved one waiting to hear you out. Or if you need confidentiality, approach a helpline! You can reach Befrienders at 03-79568145 or Lifeline Association of Malaysia at 03-92850039.
 
For more information on mental health browse through raaga.my and read our articles on mental health!
 
Info via WHO
 
Written by Thineshkan