Psychological society offers 40 tips for top mental health

THE Psychological Society of Ireland has launched “40 tips for mental health, well-being and prosperity” which it has launched as part of a celebration of its 40th anniversary.

The society said it has devised the tips so they can be applied to all areas of life, from everyday routine to the challenges and problems that are faced by everyone.

“Importantly, each tip is supported by at least one research finding that confirms that a tip can be helpful,” it said.

Society president Mary Morrissey said: “These 40 tips offer sound practical and evidence- based suggestions for the fundamentals of life (the basics), purposeful daily routines and spirited suggestions for surviving the tough times.”

Among the tips are:

* Before trying to tackle any of the complex demands of daily life, it is vital we start with full energy levels. Feelings of tiredness and hunger can make many problems seem worse.”

* Listen to your body and use your breathing. Take time each day to pay attention to your body and what it is telling you. Try to recognise when your body and mind are stressed.

* Happiness happens without money. A person’s happiness is not related to their financial wealth. !

* Laugh and remember the laughs. Even forced laughter in a laboratory setting can bring about a positive mood.

* Try to find something to be grateful for. Taking time to be thankful and to say thanks to other people improves your mood.

* Get active. While physical activity (that suits you and your level of ability) is good for your body, exercise is good for the mind too. Regular exercise gives you energy, improves mood and relieves stress, anxiety and depression. !

* Do what you love. Getting good at something doesn’t often come easy and people who become excellent at something aren’t necessarily “gifted” at a young age. Expert performers such as soccer players, piano players, neurosurgeons and tennis players are nearly always made, not born.

* See fun as a priority not an indulgence. Make leisure time a priority. Do things for no other reason than that it feels good to do them. Go to a funny movie, take a walk on the beach, listen to music, read a good book, or talk to a friend.

Play is an emotional and mental health necessity.

* Lose yourself. Learn an activity that makes you lose sense of time, that makes you feel fuller as a person after doing it and gives you a sense of calm. This could be knitting, repetitive prayer, meditation, or playing a musical instrument.

For more of the 40 tips see: www.psychologicalsociety.ie