WHO and its partners are stressing the significance of creating safe and supportive work environments to safeguard mental well-being.
Swapnil R Mishra
Mumbai
World Mental Health Day is marked on the 10th of October annually to increase awareness about mental health problems and to rally support for mental health. The first observance took place in 1992 as an effort by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), a global group committed to advancing mental health across the globe. Throughout the years, the significance of the day has increased, with more countries and organizations joining in efforts to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health problems.
Theme
This year’s World Mental Health Day is focusing on “Mental Health at Work,” highlighting the important connection between mental health and the workplace. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are stressing the significance of creating safe and supportive work environments to safeguard mental well-being. It’s crucial to address issues like stigma, discrimination, harassment, and poor working conditions, as these can seriously affect mental health and impact overall quality of life, work participation, and productivity.
Significance
The significance of World Mental Health Day lies in its mission to make mental health a global priority. The day serves as a platform to encourage open conversations about mental health and promote initiatives for mental well-being. Each year, a theme is chosen to reflect a particular aspect of mental health, from increasing awareness of mental health conditions to highlighting the importance of access to mental healthcare. The observance plays a critical role in reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.
Tips to reduce stress levels
1.Focusing on the present moment without judgment is central to mindfulness meditation. It aids in reducing anxiety and stress by enabling individuals to detach from racing thoughts and emotions. Devoting just 10 minutes a day to mindfulness can soothe the mind and enhance overall emotional well-being.
2.Engaging in physical activity serves as a natural way to reduce stress. Endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, are released in the brain during exercise. Whether it’s a quick walk, yoga, or intense workouts, regular physical activity aids in reducing stress and enhancing mental focus.
3.Struggling to get quality sleep can worsen stress, making it more difficult to handle everyday difficulties. Establishing a regular sleep routine, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and following good sleep habits can effectively lessen stress and enhance mood.
4. Cutting down on drinks and foods with lots of caffeine and sugar can help you feel less stressed and more even-tempered. This means you might feel less jittery and moody.
5. Social support is essential when managing stress. Whether it involves having conversations with friends, spending quality time with family, or seeking assistance from a therapist, connecting with others can offer emotional solace, a different outlook, and a feeling of being part of something.
6. Conscious breathing stimulates the body’s natural relaxation response, slowing heart rate and alleviating stress. Methods like belly breathing and square breathing utilize deliberate, deep breaths to promote serenity.
7. Inefficient time management can culminate in crippling stress, particularly when falling behind on tasks. By structuring your day through task prioritization, achievable goal-setting, and incremental progress, you can mitigate stress.
Following each of these steps or tips works practically offers to manage stress levels and improve mental well-being. When implemented regularly, they can create a more balanced and less stressful lifestyle.
