Letter: Ways to enhance and maintain positive well-being

Even though mental health affects how we think, feel and behave, most of us spend little or no time at all thinking about our mental well-being. Exercising and eating nutritious foods are major contributors to our overall wellness, but it does not end there.

Finding balance within our physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health all contribute to living a productive lifestyle. How we function in our daily lives is dependent upon our state of mental well-being.

Ways to enhance and maintain positive well-being:

• Managing and coping with stress

• Building positive self esteem

• Making meaningful contributions to the community (mentoring, volunteering, etc.)

• Physical activity

• Getting enough sleep

• Positive social relationships

• Having necessary resources such as a sustainable income, housing, etc.

• Getting professional help if needed

Ways to help promote wellness within our community:

• Provide education, outreach, and training to address mental health

• Implement stress reduction changes and reasonable accommodations at work

• Develop programs and policies to prevent abuse, violence, bullying and social exclusion

Find out what you can do to create a healthy and positive outlook of how you think and feel about your life!

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 5:11 PM with the headline "Letter: Ways to enhance and maintain positive well-being."