Mental Wellness
According to World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. We should not only be physically fit, but also mentally fit. Mentally well people are positive, self-assured and happy. They are always in control of their thoughts, emotions and behaviour. This enables them to handle challenges, pressure, build strong relationships and enjoy life.
Anyone can suffer from mental or emotional health problems and over a lifetime most of us will, we can boost our mental health in many ways like practicing meditation, managing stress, staying active, social connection, brain healthy diet, quality sleep, alternative therapies etc.
Meditation
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction. Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, we focus our attention and eliminate the stream of unwanted thoughts that may be crowding our mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is a state of focused concentration and relaxation in which you are either fully awake or fully asleep. Mind becomes open and receptive to new ideas, suggestions, thinking and behavioural pattern. Hence, hypnotherapy employs the art of hypnosis to benefit people and help them understand their psychological or emotional issues better.
Hypnosis is first and foremost a self-accepted journey away from the reality of the moment. Although the trance state is often referred to as if the patient is asleep, nothing could be further from the truth. The patient is fully awake at all times. The hypnotic subject is simply in a heightened, more receptive state of mind. This fact is proven with inductions called open-eye techniques, where the patient keeps his/her eyes open during the hypnotherapy. Full and deep trance is still achievable.
Hypnotherapists use it to treat a number of conditions, including-
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Concentration problems
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Smoking control
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully presented, aware of where we are and what we’re doing and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Paying more attention to the present moment, to your own thoughts and feelings and to the world around you, can improve your mental well-being.
According to Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, “An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs.
“Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment. It’s about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives.”
Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual wellness is the ability to experience and integrate meaning and purpose in life through a person’s connectedness with himself, others or a power greater than oneself. Spiritual wellness does not only reflect religious belief although for people of a religious faith, it is obviously a central feature. To be spiritually well means a positive engagement with others, self and our environment. By developing our sense of spiritual wellness, we can help ourselves feel happier, more in control and helps us deal with stress more effectively. By being spiritually well the person will feel content with life, maintain balance and control of life, building positive relationships, feeling a purpose and meaning in life, experiencing a connection with a power greater than oneself and accepting benefit and grow from the challenges in life.