4 Facets of Wellness: Mental Wellness

A few weeks ago Habit 4 Health launched its Facebook Trivia. One of the questions was: 'What does the 4 in Habit 4 Health stand for?' We had lots of responses! So we'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to the four facets of wellness (blog by blog)!

One of the facets is Mental Wellness. Defined by the World Health Organization to be 'a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community.'

Erica Lutz, LMHS from Psychiatric Assoicates, Iowa City will go into more detail on the importance of mental health, ways to achieve it, and answer your mental health questions at our upcoming 'Wellness and The Workplace: Does it really affect the bottom line' seminar July 13th 11:30 -1pm at South Slope Communications. Everyone is welcomed! Contact brooke@habit4health for more information by July 8th.

But for now here's 10 Tips for Improving Family Mental Health.

1. Eat dinner together: as so many families know, finding time to sit down for a family meal can be a challenge. But doing so once a week is a prime opportunity to talk, listen, and enjoy a good meal together.

2. Get some exercise: Exercise can be hard work, but it can also be lots of fun for the family and help you feel great. So get together with loved ones to shoot some hoops, go swimming or play a favorite sport.

3. Go the zoo or a museum: Choose a free day and take a trip to local zoo or museum to learn and explore. Afterwards, treat yourselves to lunch or a healthy snack.

4. Take a walk: Walking together can be a simple and fun way to get your blood flowing while enjoying the outdoors and the company of family members. Pick a scenic route and get moving.

5. Get enough rest: mental and physical health go hand in hand and you can only be at the top of your game when you've gotten plenty of rest. Make sure you and your family members get a full seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

6. Read a book together: reading a good book can be one of the simple pleasures of life and a great way to exercise the mind. Select something the whole family can enjoy and read a portion of it aloud each night.

7. Pack a healthy lunch: encourage the healthy eating habits of your family by packing a healthy lunch. Substitute chips and a soda with healthier snacks like carrots, raisins, and fresh juice or water.

8. Plan a picnic: choose a sunny day, pack a nice lunch and head to the park. Bring tennis rackets or a soccer ball and challenge your family members to a game of one-on-one.

9. Watch a movie: pick up a good family film, make some popcorn and stay inside for the night.

10. Take a vacation: getting away from home and work for a couple days or more is always a treat. Plan a fun and affordable getaway where you and your family can rest, relax, and escape your busy schedules.