World Mental Health Day 2024: Theme, Importance and Tips to Reduce Stress

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 every year to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental health. It was first celebrated in 1992 as an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), a global organization dedicated to promoting mental health worldwide. Over the years, the day has grown in importance, with many countries and organizations participating in campaigns to end the stigma around mental health issues.

Title

The theme of World Mental Health Day this year is “Mental Health at Work.” In collaboration with its partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the important link between mental health and the workplace. Safe, supportive workplaces play a protective role in maintaining mental health. However, unhealthy conditions such as stigma, discrimination, harassment and poor working conditions can cause serious harm to mental health. These challenges can affect overall quality of life, work participation, and poor productivity.

Importance

The importance of World Mental Health Day lies in its mission to make mental health a global priority. The day serves as a platform to encourage open discussions about mental health and promote mental health initiatives. Each year, a theme is chosen that reflects some aspect of mental health, from increasing awareness of mental health conditions to emphasizing the importance of accessing mental health care. The festival plays an important role in reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

Tips to reduce stress levels

1. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It helps reduce stress and anxiety by allowing people to withdraw from thoughts and feelings. Spending even 10 minutes a day in mindfulness can calm the mind and improve overall emotional well-being.
2. Exercise is a natural way to relieve stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood enhancers. Whether it’s brisk walking, yoga, or high-intensity exercise, regular exercise helps reduce stress and clear the mind.
3. Poor sleep can exacerbate stress, making it difficult to deal with everyday problems. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, making sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep, and practicing good sleep hygiene can significantly reduce stress and improve mood.
4. High levels of caffeine and sugar can raise stress hormones and lead to jitteriness or mood swings. Reducing the intake of these stimulants can help maintain a stable mood and reduce the physical symptoms of stress.
5. Social support is important when dealing with depression. Whether it’s talking to a friend, spending time with family, or seeking support from a counselor, connecting with others can provide emotional comfort, perspective, and a sense of worth.
6. Deep breathing can relax the body, slow the heart rate and reduce stress. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing involve slow, deep breathing that helps bring a sense of calm and can be practiced whenever stress levels are high.
7. Poor management of time can cause stress, especially when you feel like you have a lot of work to do. Organizing your day by prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and breaking them into small steps can help you manage stress more effectively.

Each of these tips provides effective ways to manage stress levels and improve mental health. Used regularly, they can create a more balanced and lean lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult your specialist or doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.