Week-Long Mental Health Journey for Inner Tranquility
In the midst of our busy lives, taking care of our mental health often takes a backseat. However, with the ongoing observation of Mental Health Month in Canada, it's a perfect time to prioritise our mental well-being. The 7-Day Mental Health Challenge, a popular initiative, offers a practical approach to this goal.
Jacqueline Way, a global change advocate and mother of three, is one of many who endorse this challenge. By engaging in daily practices, we can contribute to our long-term mental well-being and make a significant difference in our lives.
Day 1 encourages us to start with stillness, allowing us a moment of peace and reflection. On Day 2, we are encouraged to disconnect from digital devices for an hour, fostering a sense of calm and promoting better sleep.
Day 3 is all about giving, whether it's helping others or taking care of oneself. This simple act activates the brain's reward system, increases oxytocin, triggers endorphins, reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, and lowers cortisol.
Day 4 reminds us of the power of simple acts of kindness, such as giving a compliment, a smile, or a helping hand. These small actions increase oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, boosting our mood.
Day 5 invites us to journal for 5-10 minutes, helping us release emotional burdens and improve our emotional stability and overall well-being.
Day 6 encourages physical movement, such as stretching, dancing, or walking, to help regulate emotions and lower anxiety.
Finally, on Day 7, we reflect on what felt good during the week and what we should carry forward, serving as a launchpad for continued mental health improvement.
The 7-Day Mental Health Challenge incorporates evidence-based practices, including mindfulness meditation, physical activity, healthy eating, good sleep habits, self-compassion, social connection, and coping strategies. Programs like YMCA’s Y Mind offer group sessions to practice these skills.
It's essential to remember that seeking help for mental health issues does not mean there's something wrong with you; it means you're taking your mental health seriously. Mental illness, defined as diagnosed conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, mood, or behaviour, requires professional attention and support.
For those interested in learning more about Mental Health Month in Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association is a valuable resource. To bring the 7-Day Mental Health Challenge into your daily routines, a printable version is available for download.
By embracing the 7-Day Mental Health Challenge, we can reconnect with ourselves, build daily habits, and find moments of mental peace, contributing to our overall well-being and resilience.
- Jacqueline Way, a global change advocate and mother of three, champions the 7-Day Mental Health Challenge, urging people to prioritize their mental well-being.
- By participating in the challenge, we can contribute to our long-term mental health and make a significant impact on our lives.
- The first day of the challenge encourages starting with stillness for a moment of peace and reflection.
- Disconnecting from digital devices for an hour on Day 2 fosters a sense of calm and promotes better sleep.
- On Day 3, giving, whether to others or oneself, activates the brain's reward system for personal growth and well-being.
- Day 4 emphasizes the power of simple acts of kindness, such as giving compliments, smiles, or help, which increase oxytocin and boost our mood.
- Journaling for 5-10 minutes on Day 5 helps release emotional burdens, improving emotional stability and overall well-being.
- Day 6 encourages physical movement to help regulate emotions, lower anxiety, and foster personal resilience.
- On Day 7, we reflect on positive experiences during the week and decide what to carry forward for continued mental health improvement.
- Evidence-based practices like mindfulness, physical activity, healthy eating, social connection, and self-compassion are incorporated into the 7-Day Mental Health Challenge, with programs like YMCA’s Y Mind offering group sessions to practice these skills.
