1.1 Mental health promotion

Messages about promoting health through exercise, healthy eating and avoiding high risk activities such as smoking are very actively promoted, from bus stop posters to national advertising campaigns, and hence are part of everyday life. In a similar way to promoting physical health, there are many activities that can promote mental health. These include:

• reducing and adaptively managing stress
• engaging in enjoyable activities and hobbies that increase our wellbeing, such as walking
• developing and maintaining positive relationships with people
• getting sufficient sleep.

Adults can more easily make a conscious decision about their readiness to engage in activities that promote their physical and mental health; in fact, some activities are equally beneficial for both aspects of health. Engaging in such activities can prevent, or at least reduce the chances of developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and certain mental health conditions.