The Dr. is in! January Issue – Mental Wellness Month

January is identified as Mental Wellness Month. There’s no better time than the beginning of a new year to take stock of your mental health and learn new ways to improve your overall well-being.

by JAmIE SCARNATY, LSW
Licensed Psychotherapist

To inspire healthier communities through compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment; science-driven education; and trusted, accessible resources.

Lukin Center

Driven by Science. Led by Compassion

What Is mental wellness?

Mental wellness refers to a state of emotional, psychological and social well-being where individuals feel a sense of purpose, fulfillment and resilience in their lives. It involves being self-aware, managing emotions effectively, coping with stress, forming meaningful relationships and contributing positively to your community. Mental wellness empowers us to lead a more balanced, satisfying and productive life. Prioritizing mental wellness can also be a preventative measure against the development of mental health issues.

What are some tips to improve your overall mental wellness?

Finding balance in our lives is the key to promoting mental wellness. The first step is to evaluate areas of your life (emotional, physical, social) and identify any imbalances in order to create realistic goals and expectations. Next, it is necessary to set healthy boundaries to ensure that you have the time and resources to cultivate a self-care routine that feels both relaxing and fulfilling. Social connection is central to mental wellness and it is important to foster relationships with people who can encourage you and hold you accountable. Seeking out support from a therapist can help provide tools, support and guidance throughout this process. Therapists provide strategies to cope with stress, help individuals increase their self-awareness, teach positive coping mechanisms, foster communication skills, and provide support, validation and reassurance along the way.

How does staying active, eating well and sleeping well play into our mental wellness?

Physical exercise, good nutrition and adequate sleep are the foundation for increasing overall mental wellness. Quality sleep is crucial for cognitive functioning and provides the energy needed in order to complete activities that improve our overall well-being. Staying active and eating well helps reduce stress hormones in the body and promotes a more relaxed state of mind and a positive outlook. Overall, a healthy body supports better cognitive function, which enhances problem-solving skills, memory, and the ability to manage daily stressors, which are all components of mental wellness.

Anything we missed?

The New Year provides an opportunity to reflect and assess your overall mental wellness and take steps towards improving your self-care routines and setting the tone for the year ahead. Therapy is a great place to explore your mental wellbeing and discover new ways to improve your life.

Lukin Center — Westfield Office

128 S. Euclid Ave.

Westfield, NJ 07090

(908) 509-8336