The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly made an impact on the mental health of many and it has left many on the edge with poor mental condition across the globe. What is health? Many people believe that is a state of not feeling any physical pain, but the truth is that health involves all dimensions and cannot function without the other. This leads to the broad definition by WHO that health is a state of complete mental, physical, emotional and social wellbeing not the mere absence of a disease. To greater heights, health begins with your mental well being, an unbalanced mental condition gives rise to various illnesses hence it is true that there is no health without mental wellbeing. 

For decades mental health has been ignored due to the lack of understanding, because the world has given much priority to other life threatening illnesses. According to the 2020 mental health atlas by WHO for 170 countries only 2% of governments health budgets have been allocated towards mental health and only a ratio of 1:6 mental health targets have been achieved. Therefore this proves that the development towards mental health has been slow over the years.

This generation specifically students tend to neglect their mental wellbeing due to the busy schedules that they chase after. Millenniums have become dependent on technology as a cover up for all their unspoken issues. PU in its student centricity has made it a priority to offer the best learning exposure at the same time looking after the mental health of all the students. The University has put in place various facilities such as YourDost where students can  access  highly professional psychologists 24/7 round the clock at any location. These special services are tailor made for students and they are free of charge. Like Covid-19 the stigma towards mental health is a pandemic that needs urgent interventions which can only be reached once the whole world comes together and fights it.

Here are some handy tips to
maintain good mental health

Develop a good opinion of yourself.

According to mental health experts, high self-esteem is the best tool we can use against difficulties in life. Studies show that people with high self-esteem have more confidence in themselves and their capabilities.

Eat well.

Diet plays a crucial role in mental health; it’s important to have a healthy diet. If you need help with this, You can also consult a nutritionist for a personalized guide adapted to your needs.

Exercise regularly.

Physical exercise plays a positive role in your mental health. It causes chemical reactions that are proven to reduce anxiety and stress and put you in a good mood.

Learn how to manage stress.

Stress is part of life, so you must learn how to deal with it in order to keep your sanity. Discover the source of your stress to find ways to better handle it.

Enjoy the present.

Learn how to focus on the present rather than being preoccupied with past or future events. This will help you savor life’s little pleasures that you would otherwise miss.

Find your work-life balance.

If you feel like you’re spending too much time and energy on one part of your life, your work-life balance may be off. Learn to do both! The best way to do this varies from a person to another. Find the strategy that works best for you.

Get enough sleep.

Lack of sleep affects your mental health as it can cause emotional and psychological problems. Go to bed at a reasonable hour and try to get 8 hours of sleep. It will help you achieve maximum recovery and face the next day with more vigor.

Develop relationships.

Developing and maintaining solid personal relationships is very beneficial to your mental health. So work on establishing good relationships with people around you, at home, at work or in your community. These contacts will enrich your life and provide you with great support

Have fun!

Taking time to laugh and have fun will go a long way in staying mentally healthy. Laughter lifts moral, keeps you in a good mood and releases stress. Find ways to laugh: comic strips, funny videos or joking with friends.

Get help if you need it.

At some point in your life, you may need to ask for help. If so, don’t hesitate! It takes courage to seek help but it can really change your life. Know that there are many resources out there. Talk to your pharmacist. He will guide you in finding the best options.