James Donaldson on Mental Health – Tips for Good Mental Health

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being and plays a significant role in our daily lives. Taking care of our mental health helps us maintain a positive outlook, cope with stress, and build stronger relationships. If you’re looking to improve your mental health, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority in your daily routine. Dedicate time to activities you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading a book, taking a bath, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. Taking care of yourself allows you to recharge and refocus your mind.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet: The food we consume has a direct impact on our mental well-being. Aim to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine, as they can negatively affect your mood and energy levels.

3. Get Adequate Sleep: Sleep plays a vital role in our mental and physical health. Establish a regular sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable and free from distractions. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night to promote better mental well-being.

4. Stay Active: Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for our physical health but also for our mental well-being. Engaging in exercises, such as walking, jogging, dancing, or yoga, releases endorphins, which help boost mood and reduce stress. Find activities you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

5. Build Strong Relationships: Positive relationships provide support and help improve mental health. Connect with friends, family, and loved ones regularly. Engage in meaningful conversations, spend quality time together, and seek their support when needed. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

6. Manage Stress: Stress is a common part of life, but finding healthy ways to manage it is crucial for mental well-being. Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, engaging in hobbies, or seeking professional help when necessary. Learn to identify stress triggers and develop coping mechanisms that work best for you.

7. Limit Screen Time: Excessive use of screens, such as smartphones, computers, and televisions, can impact our mental health. Set boundaries and limit your screen time to maintain a healthy balance. Dedicate time to activities that do not involve screens, such as reading, spending time outdoors, or engaging in hobbies.

8. Seek Support: Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling with your mental health. Mental health professionals can provide valuable guidance, therapy, and resources to help you navigate challenges and improve your well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can take proactive steps towards achieving and maintaining good mental health. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, so find what works best for you and make your mental health a top priority.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Tags: mental health, self-care, balanced diet, sleep, physical activity, relationships, stress management, screen time, seek support

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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.

James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.

In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.

He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.

James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!

For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:

www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)

James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.

If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org