Mental Health includes our emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate and get along with others, and make good and healthy choices in our life.

Wellness is a process and a proactive strategy that strengthens our mental, social, and emotional well-being and the inner resources we can rely on in times of stress.

Wellness practices help us maintain good mental health. Wellness is about prevention and allows us to cope with life’s adversities and adapt to change during difficult times. It helps us be resilient when our life is very stressful. It helps us cope with excess worry, loneliness, anger, or sadness. 

Essential components of wellness include
•    Regular exercise
•    Healthy eating
•    Getting sufficient sleep
•    Having family and friends to talk with

Some examples of wellness practices include:
•    Finding a hobby
•    Playing a sport
•    Cooking
•    Gardening
•    Arts and crafts
•    Volunteering in the community

Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt
to change and difficult times. Components to create emotional wellness include:

BUILD RESILIENCE
People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster. This quality is called resilience. Learning healthy ways to cope and how to draw from resources in your community can help you build resilience.

REDUCE STRESS
Everyone feels stressed from time to time. Stress can give you a rush of energy when it’s needed most. But if the stress lasts a long time—a condition known as chronic stress—those “high alert” changes become harmful rather than helpful. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can also boost your resilience.

GET QUALITY SLEEP
To fit everything we want to do into our day, we often sacrifice sleep. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to your well-being. When you’re tired, you can’t function at your best. Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes, and focus better. Take steps to make sure you regularly get a good night’s sleep.

BE MINDFUL
The concept of mindfulness is simple. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you. It means not living your life on “autopilot.” Becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice. 

COPE WITH LOSS
When someone you love dies, your world changes. There is no right or wrong way to mourn. Although the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, most people can make it through the grieving process with the support of family and friends. Learn healthy ways to help you through difficult times.

STRENGTHEN SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health—both emotionally and physically. Social connections can influence our biology and well-being, whether with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, or others.

Click here for more tips on improving your emotional health as provided by the National Institute of Health.