Let's Talk About Mental Health, Baby

Because there’s no health without mental health…
 
By Jumol Royes
 
Pool parties and Pride parades are just around the corner so this is prime season to get serious about sculpting that summer body. While you’re busy squeezing in an extra hour or two at the gym, you might also want to consider carving out time to focus on your mental health. It’ll do your body and mind a lot of good.
 
May 6-12 is CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) Mental Health Week and this year, the campaign is encouraging everyone to “#GetLoud about what mental health really is” by letting people know that “mental health is a state of well-being, and we all have it.”
 
Here are some tried and tested tips and techniques for maintaining good mental health that are worth checking out.
 
The Five-Minute Journal
Billed as “the simplest, most effective thing you can do every day to be happier,” The Five-Minute Journal is designed to work for you whether you have a love or hate relationship with journaling. It literally requires just five minutes a day. Think minimum effort, big reward.
$26.95 at chapters.indigo.ca
 
Acudetox
Looking to detox from alcohol and/or drugs? Acudetox might be right for you. A healing practice based on principles of ancient Chinese medicine, acudetox (or auricular acupuncture) focuses on five points around the ear. It’s safe and effective and may also help reduce symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.
Available at Toronto Western Hospital (covered by OHIP); Call 416.603.5776 for self-referrals
 
Mindset Brain Gym
You read that right: it’s a gym for your brain. “Mental and breathing exercises that have been clinically proven to bring real-world results” are the name of the game at this meditation gym in Toronto. Try the Focus 30 Mindful Meditation with Muse^TM to track your progress and see how often your mind wanders.
Drop-in for $25/class at Mindset Brain Gym
 
Soothing Relaxation Music
You keep your emotions pent up and have difficulty finding ways to release them. You’re constantly struggling with feeling frazzled and restless. Soothing relaxation music can help you find that moment of calmness in an otherwise stressful day.
Flying | Relaxing Music by Peder B. Helland available on YouTube
 
1.855.310.COPE (2673)
York Support Services Network (YSSN) Community Crisis Response Service helps anyone experiencing a crisis, as well as family and friends. Caring crisis workers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call. Talk. Connect.
Call toll-free at 1.855.310.COPE (2673); visit YSSN online at www.yssn.ca/310-COPE
 
Now, in addition to looking good, you’ve got a toolkit to ensure you feel good, too.
 
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JUMOL ROYES is a Toronto-based writer, content creator and communications strategist with a keen interest in personal development and transformation. Follow him on Twitter @Jumol.