“Mental health is the state of your psychological and emotional well-being. It is a necessary resource for living a healthy life and a main factor in overall health. It does not mean the same thing as mental illness. However, poor mental health can lead to mental and physical illness.
Good mental health allows you to feel, think and act in ways that help you enjoy life and cope with its challenges.” About mental health – Canada.ca
We have reached out to our staff for some good tips for positive mental health:
- Volunteer: Volunteer for a cause you believe in. There is no shortage of organizations in need of support, there are many opportunities for older adults to get involved, and in turn, feel valued and needed.
- Stay connected to others: Keeping in touch with family, friends and even acquaintances can help with feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can lead to depression, as well as mental and physical decline.
- Keep the mind active: Just as the body needs physical activity and stimulation to stay healthy, the brain needs stimulation to stay sharp and avoid cognitive decline. Some brain exercises could include doing puzzles, games/cards, playing an instrument, learning a new language, reading and writing.
- Movement of body: Low-Impact exercises are necessary to stay healthy. Some examples include regular walks, yoga classes/chair yoga, dancing, stretching, and standing instead of sitting.
- Caring for a pet: Animals can help keep seniors active while also offering companionship. If you are unable to own a pet, volunteering at an animal shelter or offering to help friends/family with their pets can provide many benefits for everyone.
- Pick a new Hobby: During retirement can be a great time to visit the bucket list and pursue lifelong goals whether it be painting, gardening, sewing, cooking, or pickleball!
- Spend some time outside: This can decrease anxiety and depression, and help the cardiovascular system. Exposure to the sun produces vitamin D, reduces stress and also can boost your mood.
- Journal: Reflect on your day and write things that happened, feelings that came up and things you are looking forward to, just to clear your head.
There are many resources available if you need someone to talk with or are having a rough day.
- Crisis Line & Referral Services 1-888-353-2273 – 24/7
- Suicide Crisis Helpline call or text 988 – 24/7
- Provincial Crisis Lines 1-800-784-2433 (suicide), 310-6789 (mental health support)
Whitevalley Community Resource Centre is here to help with mental health and volunteering in our community, if you have any questions please reach out to us at 250-547-8866.
Whitevalley Resource Centre would like to thank our sponsors, The United Way, and Interior Health.
