Self-Care and Mental Health for Working Canadians
According to Government of Canada, mental health in the workplace benefits both employees and employers by improving:
- productivity
- mood
- employee satisfaction
- staff retention
- teamwork
To support this claim, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has shared a video on the importance of promoting mental health in the workplace:
Self-care is also just as important as mental health. The whole concept of self-care is based on two parts: self care actions and self-care interventions. Self-care actions are habits and life-style choices that helps us become self sufficient in looking after ourselves resulting in us being happy and healthy. Some of these choices include but not limited to:
- Regular physical activity which reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. This also improves your thinking patterns, learning process and personal judgements.
- Eating a healthier or well balanced diet among the 4 major food groups in Canada: fruits & vegetables, milk & alternatives, meat & alternatives and grain products. This helps your body and mind receive all the essential nutrients and vitamins to function optimally.
- Looking after your mental health such as: getting a good night’s sleep, spending time in nature and outdoors, talking to family and friends and managing stress.
Self-care interventions are evidence-based tools that support self-care such as quality medicines, devices, diagnostic and digital tools.
This next video by Dr. Manjulaa Narasimham of World Health Organization explains more about self-care interventions.
Overall, self-care and mental health are fundamental components of maintaining and improving both your mind and body. Everyone can build resilience, reduce stress and foster emotional well-being leading to a more balanced, fulfilled and healthy life.
Online Resources for Mental Health and Self-Care
Government of Canada: Mental Health Support-Get Help
Government of Canada: Self care-What it Really Means to Take Care of You!
Government of British Columbia: Help Starts Here
Government of British Columbia: Virtual Mental Health Supports
Canadian Mental Health Association: Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Commission of Canada: Professional Resources
Library Resources for Mental Health and Self-Care
Tips for Good Mental Health (Downloadable) by Canadian Mental Health Association B.C. Division
Mothers’ Mental Health Toolkit: A Resource For the Community (Downloadable) by Joanne MacDonald & Coleen Flynn
Yes I can : A Mental Health Guide for Adult Literacy Facilitators (Downloadable) by Jennifer E. Hewitt
Fostering Resilient Learners : Strategies For Creating a Trauma-sensitive Classroom by Kirsten Souers
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