Not Just Physical Health by Kim Leatherdale

Most people recognize the importance of good health, but fail to recognize good health includes taking care of themselves mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Below are a few strategies to boost your overall well-being and nurture your mental health.

1. 1. Use positive self talk in your daily mental chatter. Take a few moments to pay attention to the messages you are saying to yourself. Begin to tune in to the positives and to weed out the negatives. Instead of “I can’t” say “I’ll do my best.”
2. Determine realistic goals. Make sure your goals meet SMART requirements: they are Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and have a Timetable. Write your goals down and share them with someone. As you reach each step toward your goals, you gain a sense of accomplishment.
3. Practice relaxation. Explore a variety of techniques until you find one that works for you. Some examples are deep breathing, yoga, meditation, guided imagery or journaling.
4. Don’t overdo. Schedule time for yourself and learn how to say “No” to commitments you find unimportant. Keep your scheduled time yours.
5. Create and cultivate a support system. Plan time with people you care about and who care about you. You can also become involved in your community to gain a sense of belonging.
6. Discover your sense of spirituality. Attending religious services, practicing meditation, or praying can improve your overall outlook.
7. Practice intentional optimism. Appreciate the good things in your life and expect things to go right. Look for positives everywhere.
8. Take care of yourself physically. Proper nutrition, good sleep, and regular exercise all keep you mentally healthy. Avoid excess in eating or alcohol; both interfere with physical and mental wellness.
9. Appreciate your feelings. Your emotions are just another way of knowing the world and yourself. They are not to be feared, but learned from.

Our mental health needs as much attention as our physical health. Use the above suggestions as a way to exercise good mental health. If you are struggling with any of the above suggestions or your mental health, seek help from a licensed mental health professional.

Copyright 2007 Kim Leatherdale, ATR, LPC is a licensed professional counselor with a practice in Pluckemin, NJ, USA. If you have any questions for her, please e-mail her at or call her office at 908-256-4779.