April 7, 2023- World Health Day

Submitted by Cassandra Dias on April 4, 2023 - 11:27am

Friday April 7, 2023 is World Health Day.

Here are some tips to follow to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

1. Make social connection — especially face-to-face — a priority

Phone calls and social networks have their place, but few things can beat the stress-busting, mood-boosting power of quality face-to-face time with other people, especially those you love and people who energize you.

2. Stay active 

Staying active is as good for the brain as it is for the body. Regular exercise or activity can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health, relieve stress, improve memory, and help you sleep better.

3. Talk to someone

Talk to a friendly face. If you have concerns, stresses or worries, sharing these with someone who cares is one of the most effective ways to calm your nervous system and relieve stress.

4. Appeal to your senses

Does listening to an uplifting song make you feel calm?  What about taking a walk in nature and enjoying the sights and sounds of the trees? Everyone responds to sensory input a little differently, so experiment to find what works best for you.

5. Try a relaxation practice

Yoga, mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing can help reduce overall levels of stress.

6. Make leisure and contemplation a priority

We can all be guilty of being "too busy" to take some down time, but leisure time is a necessity for emotional and mental health. Take some time to relax, contemplate, and pay attention to the positive things as you go about your day — even the small things. Write them down if you can, because they can be easy to forget. Then reflect on them later if your mood is in need of a boost. 

7. Eat a brain-healthy diet to support strong mental health 

Foods that can support your mood include fatty fish rich in omega-3s, nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews and peanuts), avocados, beans, leafy greens (spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts), and fresh fruit such as blueberries.

8. Don’t skimp on sleep

It matters more than you think. Sleep is our body and mind's best way to recharge and rejuvenate. One way to get sleep better is to take a break from the stimulation of screens — TV,  phones, tablets or computers — in the hours before bedtime. Consider reading or listening to relaxing music instead.

9. Find purpose and meaning 

This is different for everyone but finding purpose in your day is a big factor to good mental health. You might try one of the following:

  • Engage in work that makes you feel useful
  • Invest in relationships and spend quality time with people who matter to you
  • Volunteer, which can help enrich your life and make you happier  
  • Care for others, which can be as rewarding and meaningful as it is challenging
  • Think of one good deed or gesture to do each day 

10. Get help if you need it

If you or a loved one needs support, there are many programs and resources that are available to you: