People who experience positive emotions also have greater longevity, as do those who express self-determination in life. Also, those who enjoy life maintain better physical conditions as they age. Happiness is highly linked with self-awareness, self-acceptance, and compassion towards oneself and towards others. People who practice transparency and authenticity in their relationships have more successful, sustained romantic connections with their partners. Moreover, how you relate to your partner affect our long-term overall health. Brains are hardwired for empathy and human connection. One example: When a person experiences social pain in another, a region of the brain associated with physical pain is aroused. Also, when a spouse experience chronic pain, the other spouse may develop health problems. You can learn to alter your brain functioning, your consciousness, attitudes, and behavior. Research using functional MRIs show that meditative practice and strengthens areas of the brain associated with self-regulation of emotions, calm, cognitive focus, and empathy towards others. Practicing mindfulness – paying attention to your current thoughts and feelings, and observing them in a non-judgmental manner – improves self-knowledge. In the business realm, being able to see, understand and deal effectively with others’ perspectives is key to successful leaderships A direct relationship exists between diet and brain functioning. Specifically, an anti-inflammatory diet has significant impact upon one’s mental state, both cognitively and emotionally. Chronic inflammation is the cause of such illnesses as heart disease, many cancers, and Alzheimer's disease. Certain foods contribute to it, while some substance such as turmeric, cause significant improvements in cerebrovascular dysfunction. Overall, this general theme points to a psychologically healthy life as a state of integration: Of self-regulation of emotions; cognitive focus, moment-to-moment; values, attitudes and behavior that support wellbeing in both yourself and others; and physical-dietary practices that are linked with them. The Benefits of Mental Health The benefits of intentionally practicing to improve mental health are a response to the chronic stress reported at epidemic levels around the world. Chronic stress has been proven to deteriorate the hippocampus. This stress also leads to decreased concentration and memory, confusion, loss of sense of humor, anger, irritability, and fear. Obviously, stress is not good for the brain, and improved mental health practices can reduce the risk. Other benefits of mental health include, but aren’t limited to: Reduction in anxiety. as well as empathize with others; flexibility and ability to cope with adverse life events and function in social roles; and harmonious relationship between body and mind represent important components of mental health which contribute, to varying degrees, to the state of internal equilibrium. Creating a vision of what psychological health looks like in today’s world -- and what it requires for your bio-psycho-social being (these dimensions are all interconnected) – is a challenge. But it’s possible, if we look at some unlikely sources. These include a variety of research findings and other sources of information. Most aren’t directly related to mental heath, but many coalesce into some indicators about what a psychologically healthy life looks like, and how you can “grow” it. Some examples:
Improved moods. Clearer thinking. A greater sense of calm or inner peace. Increased self-esteem. Reduced risk of depression. Improvements in relationships.
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