Page 89 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 8
P. 89
HEALTH & WELLNESS
be challenging. Author M. Scott treatment called Cognitive Be- health to be reading and medi-
Peck, in his book, “The Road havioral Therapy (CBT), but it’s tating on God’s Word, praying,
Less Traveled,” put it this way: also scriptural. One of the New having a conversation with God
“Life is difficult. This is a great Testament writers, Paul, speaks (which BTW, also includes
truth, one of the greatest truths. of the possibility of “renewing listening), and finally engaging in
It is a great truth because once our minds” (Rom 12:2) and corporate worship with other be-
we truly see this truth, we tran- encourages us to think positively lievers. In times of a low negative
scend it.” - “think on these things” (Phi- mood or disruptive anxiety, take
lippians 4:8). Instead of allow- some deep breaths and begin to
In order for us to successfully ing yourself to fall into a low express gratitude, either by jour-
navigate through life, managing mood by ruminating on some naling or in prayer. Begin with
and overcoming its challenges, negative and hurtful memories just five people or things that you
we need not just a healthy brain, or worrying about the future, are sincerely thankful for. This is
but a healthy mind, body and STOP/CATCH the thought; an invaluable exercise, no matter
spirit. We are, after all, holis- identify it as unhelpful. Then your circumstances or belief sys-
tic creations. Another famous CHALLENGE/OBSERVE the tem. Once you begin, I’m sure
author, C.S. Lewis simply wrote: thought - because many of our that you can find more than five.
“You don’t have a soul. You are negative thoughts are just not Be intentional.
a soul. You have a body.” Men- true or accurate. Is the thought
tal health, I believe, is achieved, serving your wellbeing? Finally, Obviously, one small article does
balanced and maintained by SHIFT/CHANGE the thought not come close to containing
nurturing these three major com- to something positive and true or all of the questions and answers
ponents that make us human. one of gratitude. This exercise regarding mental health, but
takes practice, but you can do it. perhaps it can be a small starting
So, how is mental health actu- Be intentional. point to achieving a more bal-
ally achieved and maintained? anced and fulfilling life. If there
Intentionality! Intentional BODY is one nugget I want you to take
decisions and behavior are how As our mental health is relat- away, it’s this…treat yourself like
change, balance, and ongoing ed to our physical health it’s someone you deeply care about
enhancement of our potential imperative that we nurture our and love in all that you do.
is achieved. It does not just bodies by engaging in some daily
magically happen. Even faith, exercise, even if it’s just a short If you are experiencing deep
belief, and hope result from a walk or some easy stretching. emotional challenges or de-
decision that we intentionally Treat yourself to some direct structive behaviors (addictions),
make. Of course, there are some sunlight; it greatly assists in our seek professional help. It should
deep-seated issues, often hered- bodies production of vitamin D, make sense that if we were to see
itary; a result of past traumas or which has many benefits, includ- a loved one ailing from a phys-
even ongoing abuses. However, ing boosting our immune system ical sickness that was causing
no matter where we are on this and fighting depression. Stay hy- pain and a disturbance to their
journey, we can start on the road drated with plenty of water and lives, we would likely strongly en-
to better mental health through eat a healthy diet of mostly fruit courage that loved one to visit a
nurturing self-care. and vegetables. Be intentional. doctor or hospital. So if you are
treating yourself like someone
MIND SPIRIT you value, please, reach out for
Did you know that we can Nurture your spiritual life and help.
control our thoughts? This is belief system. This is also scrip-
not only scientific truth and a tural. As Christ-followers it’s an
proven form of mental health important part of our mental
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