Top 10 Tips to Prevent Mental Disorders

Be Physically Healthy and Active!
. Many studies relate poor physical health to mental instability. Chronic pain and illness can make a person depressed and stressed.
. Performing physical exercises like walking, running, aerobics or yoga help in reducing stress, tension and anger, and in the prevention of depression and anxiety.
. Tip - Eat healthy, go for routine health check ups and be active at every possible instance.

Connect with Others!
. Aristotle said 'Man is a social animal by nature. He cannot live without society, if he does so; he is either beast or God.'
. Research has demonstrated numerous benefits of social connection, including greater happiness, better health and a longer life.
. Tip - Don't hesitate to share and discuss your problems with your family and friends. Sharing is caring! Seek help before it is too late.

Stay Positive!!
. Thinking negatively can cause anticipatory anxiety and nervousness. It can drag your mood down, affect your actions and even your health.
. Cultivate a practice of being optimistic, positive and happy.
. Creating avenues of good feelings can boost your ability to bounce back from stress, solve problems, think flexibly and even fight disease.

Sleep Well!
. Chronic insomnia can hamper your thinking ability and cognitive responses, leading to depression and anxiety.
. Tip - The human body and mind need sleep for around 6 to 8 hours per day. No matter how busy you are; prioritize your sleep!! Give your mind the relaxation it requires, and help it to function better.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs and Get Medical Help
. Mental health conditions can be harder to treat, if you wait until symptoms worsen.
. Contact your doctor, if you notice any new symptoms or changes in symptoms or how you feel.
. Consider getting family members or friends involved to look out for warning signs.

Learn Stress Management
. Life is full of challenges. Overcoming life’s hurdles make the journey worth the effort.
. Stress and tension will always be a part of life, learn to handle them better. Research shows that, those who spent time writing about a difficult event had better health and less depression.
. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga.

Avoid Alcohol and Drug Abuse
. Indulging in alcoholism or drug abuse can be another trigger factor for mental disorders.
. If you are someone who looks towards alcohol or drugs to deal with stress and problems; you must stop these habits right away.
. Abuse will only lead to newer problems for both the mind and body, not solve existing ones

Challenge your Brain
. If your job doesn't challenge your mind, or if you are a retired person, keep your mind active by doing puzzles, crosswords and playing chess.
. Learn a new skill, language or a challenging hobby and keep your mind engaged. Keep your problem solving abilities alive and active.

Help Others
. Studies show that those who constantly help others, are much better acquainted with difficulties of life and have less chances of depression and anxiety.
. People involved in social service experience greater peace, better health and live longer.

Take Care of your Spirit
. Spirituality can mean something different for everyone. Connect to what you find meaningful and what gives you peace.
. It may be higher power, compassion or nature; it will bring a more positive attitude towards life and help you cope better with depression and loneliness.