news&views Winter 2016 | Page 67

Care for your body . Eating regularly and making balanced choices from all of the food groups can go a long way to fuel your body well . Limiting short-term energy boosts from caffeine and sugar can help avoid an energy crash once those fuel sources are used up . Exercise has also been found to be great for mental health as it releases hormones ( endorphins ) that make us feel good . Specifically , exercise has been found to decrease anxiety , improve mood and energy and help us sleep . Finally , getting enough sleep improves concentration and helps us to manage stress , think positively and deal with problems .
If you are interested in exploring these strategies in more depth or seeking others , HeretoHelp is a website created by BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information . They have developed wellness modules that include evidenced-based strategies and resources to promote positive mental health and emotional wellness . Just go to heretohelp . bc . ca and under ‘ Quick Links ’ on the lower left side of the page , click on ‘ Wellness Modules .’
Life brings with it a number of transitions , stressors and losses . Retirement , loss of a loved one , changes in social life , loneliness , divorce and changes in health can all have a significant impact on our emotional wellness . While we all feel challenged by such events , if our reactions are long-lasting and impair our ability to function in day-to-day life , experts recommend asking for help . Connect with a physician , psychologist or social worker , or seek out one of the numerous mental health programs available .
If you are not sure what programs are available , find out if your area is covered by 211 Alberta , which is a directory of health and social services agencies in the province . It serves a number of communities in Alberta and is working towards becoming a full provincial service . Find out more at their website ab . 211 . ca or dial 211 to speak to an information and referral specialist . As well , Alberta Health Services has a confidential mental health help line that includes information regarding mental health programs and services , referrals to other agencies and crisis intervention . The line is always available day and night , every day at 1-877-303-2642 . The Canadian Mental Health Association has a number of locations throughout the province and offers a range of programs . Their website is cmha . ca and at the top of that page is a button labelled " Find Your Local CMHA ."
Like any of the wellness dimensions , our emotional wellness and mental health are critically important to our overall well-being . Taking care of ourselves and accessing help when we need it will go a long way to ensure that we are moving towards optimum emotional wellness .
news & views WINTER 2016 | 67