Today is World Mental Health Day!
Here is some information about mental health and tips for keeping your mind peaceful and powerful.
Mental Health 101: Understanding and Enhancing Well-Being
What Is Mental Health?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
“Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Mental health is a vital part of whole-person health—just as important as heart or dental care.
Our brain chemistry—hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules—plays a key role in how we think, feel, and respond to life’s experiences.
Only about 17% of U.S. adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health.
The good news: research shows that positive mental health supports better physical health outcomes, stronger immunity, and greater life satisfaction.
The Three Domains of Mental Health
Healthy mental functioning can be viewed through three complementary domains:
Emotional Well-Being
Life satisfaction, happiness, cheerfulness, and peacefulness.
Psychological Well-Being
Self-acceptance, optimism, sense of purpose, openness to growth, spirituality, and positive relationships.
Social Well-Being
Feeling connected and useful, believing in the potential of others, and maintaining a sense of community.
Building strength in all three areas supports resilience and helps prevent burnout.
Mental Illness and Chronic Health Connections
The CDC defines mental illness as “all diagnosable mental disorders”—conditions that alter thinking, mood, or behavior and may cause distress or functional impairment.
Depression is the most common mental health condition, affecting more than one in four adults.
It remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, second only to heart disease.
Mental disorders—especially depressive disorders—are strongly linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and obesity, and to lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor sleep, inactivity, and excessive drinking.
(Adapted from CDC — “Mental Health Basics”)
10 Ways to Enhance Your Emotional and Mental Health
Modern life is fast, noisy, and often overwhelming.
Taking small, intentional actions can dramatically improve your emotional balance and mental clarity.
1. Stay Connected
Healthy relationships are the foundation of emotional wellness. Schedule time with supportive people.
2. Care for Your Body
Physical and mental health are inseparable. Nourish your body, move regularly, and prioritize sleep.
3. Challenge Yourself
Growth requires some level of stress. Set goals that stretch you without overwhelming you.
4. Manage Stress Constructively
Avoid numbing habits. Try exercise, breathing practices, or mindfulness instead.
5. Do Something Enjoyable Every Day
Even 10 minutes of music, art, or time outdoors can restore your energy.
6. Practice Forgiveness
Releasing resentment frees up emotional space for healing.
7. Give Your Time
Volunteering or helping others boosts self-esteem and connection.
8. Quiet Your Mind
Meditation, prayer, or self-hypnosis calm inner chatter and strengthen focus.
9. Ask for Help
Seeking professional support is a sign of courage and self-awareness.
10. Keep a Journal
Writing about your experiences helps process emotions and gain insight.
Why It Matters
Your mental and emotional health form the foundation for everything else—your relationships, your energy, your creativity, and your sense of purpose.
When one aspect is neglected, the rest of life feels harder.
Taking care of your mind is not indulgence—it’s maintenance for your humanity.
Look for upcoming community and massage CE classes for managing stress and anxiety
