Outline
The components of good mental well-being include:
- Connecting with Others.
- Remaining Active.
- Continuing to Learn.
- Giving to Others.
- Being Mindful.
- Being Able to Express Emotions.
- Being Able to Cope with Stress.
- Being Adaptable in Times of Change.
- Being Confident and Having Good Self-Esteem.
- Being Productive.
Connecting with Others
It is argued that this is the most important aspect of good mental well-being, as it enables individuals to feel part of their community or their own support group, knowing that they have somewhere to turn in times of need and that they are able to help others as well.
Making new friends into adulthood helps individuals to feel wanted and liked and this is beneficial for their confidence and self-esteem.
Remaining Active
Stating both mentally and physically active helps individuals to remain well in both of these areas, with the link between good mental and good physical health being clearly established.
Individuals who are physically well may be less likely to develop mental health issues related to long-term illness, and the benefits of exercise helps boost the release of ‘happy hormones’ such as serotonin, which enhance mood and make individuals feel good.
Continuing to Learn
It is recommended that people never stop learning, and this should continue even into late adulthood.
Learning a new skill or information about a new subject is not only useful for ongoing cognitive functioning but it can help people to remain social as well, such as by attending a college course or a book club where there are lots of opportunities to connect with other people.
Giving to Others
Any form of giving to other people is mutually beneficial; that is to say that the person giving to others feels good about themselves and the person receiving what is given fells good as well.
Giving to others may mean being active in the community, such as doing volunteer work, or it can mean doing charity events, such as sponsored walks or collecting items for a local food bank.
Being Mindful
mindfulness means that a person is able to live in the present moment without worrying about what is coming in the future or what has happened in the past.
It enables people to focus solely on what is happening in their current surroundings and is thought to be an excellent way of reducing stress and anxiety, which can be the foundation of some forms of mental ill health.
Being Able to Express Emotions
Most people will have heard the saying that it is better to speak up about something than to keep things ‘bottled up’.
When people are unable to express their emotions effectively, this can mean that they eventually become overwhelmed by their feelings, and this can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and other difficulties that may prevent them from going about their daily activities.
Being Able to Cope with Stress
The concept of resilience is closely linked to being able to cope with stress.
Resilience enables individuals to react positively in the face of adversity and to find a way of moving forwards that is not detrimental to their mental health.
Being Adaptable in Times of Change
Resilience is also linked to being able to cope successfully when there are changes in life.
This can be a minor change such as having to move to a different office at work, or a major change like moving house, losing a loved one, or being diagnosed with a serious illness.
Being Confident and Having Good Self-Esteem
Being confident and having a high level of self-esteem helps individuals to feel good about themselves. which enables them to connect with others, make positive decisions, and be resilient when times become challenging.
Being Productive
Being productive within a community, family, or workplace helps individuals to feel good about themselves, increases their self-esteem, and can help them to connect with others as well.
It also gives individuals a sense of achievement. which helps increase confidence and gives individuals a positive outlook for the future.
