Staying balanced...

The Surgeon General's report on mental health defines mental and emotional health as the "successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity... [It] is the springboard of thinking and communication skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience, and self esteem."

Here are some ideas for improving your emotional outlook on life:

1. Start eating better.

Good food = good health = feeling good = positive outlook.

2. Start exercising more.

A good workout raises your endorphine level and makes you feel better. (If you hate to work out, just think how good you'll feel when you stop!)

3. Challenge your brain.

Read a good book. Watch a movie. Get your brain off your current problems and on to something different.

4. Be a forgiver.

Learn not to sweat the small stuff. Don't hold a grudge - it's too much work.

5. Find a friend.

We all need somebody to lean on.

6. Be a servant.

There is something very refreshing about serving other people.

7. Build your faith.

Don't take time off from God when you're down, run to Him. Make a list of the ways God has blessed you and provided for you.

8. Learn to laugh.

Proverbs 17:22 says a cheerful heart is good medicine..."

9. Get some rest.

Your mind can work through things when you sleep. Make sure you're getting
enough. Take a nap when you are feeling stressed.

10. Lighten up!

Cut yourself some slack. You can't do it all, so why are you trying to? Get real about who you are and what you can do and make changes in your life where necessary.

Based on an article in Rev. (may/June 2005)