Physical health is connected to mental and emotional health. Taking care of your body is a powerful first step towards mental and emotional health.

The mind and the body are linked. When you improve your physical health, you'll automatically experience greater mental and emotional well-being. For example, exercise not only strengthens our heart and lungs, but also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals that energise us and lift our mood.

The activities you engage in and the daily choices you make affect the way you feel physically and emotionally.

Get enough rest

To have good mental and emotional health, it's important to take care of your body. That includes getting enough sleep - most people need seven to eight hours of sleep each night in order to function optimally.

Learn about good nutrition and practice it

The subject of nutrition is complicated and not always easy to put into practice. You will feel better if you learn about what you eat, how it affects your energy and mood and practice healthy eating habits.

Exercise to relieve stress and lift your mood

Exercise is a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression. Look for small ways to add activity to your day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going on a short walk. To get the most mental health benefits, aim for 30 minutes or more of exercise per day.

Get a dose of sunlight every day

Sunlight lifts your mood, so try to get at least 10 to 15 minutes of sun per day. This can be done while exercising, gardening, or socialising.

Avoid things that harm you

Limit alcohol and avoid cigarettes and other drugs

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