“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” – 3 John 1:2 NIV

I recently read a few articles that discuss the fact that doctors and other health professionals in regions of Ontario are writing prescriptions for nature. These prescriptions are to help people have a better quality of life, and they could say something like “touch grass”. The idea is to get people outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, hike trails etc. The articles indicate that 75% of prescriptions written are for mental health.

I must admit that my first reaction to the idea of these nature prescriptions was one of surprise, but now I understand it. The importance of health cannot be underestimated, and let’s face it – there is no health without mental health! If it takes prescriptions to encourage prioritizing mental health then so be it.

What is mental health? “Mental health is the state of your psychological and emotional well- being. It is a necessary resource for living a healthy life and a main factor in overall health” (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/about-mental-health.html).
Mental health is certainly something that we need to discuss as Christians and within our churches. Bethel Church is wonderfully multicultural. I along with many others in our Church originate from countries that have not been completely comfortable speaking about mental health and mental illness. Having open and honest discussions lessens stigma and allows us to share experiences, support one another and access the right tools and support systems.

There are several people in the Bible who struggled with their mental health – take Hannah who longed for a baby (1 Samuel 1:1-20) or Job, who lost everything. Many of us can relate to these situations and the impact these sorts of challenges can have on our mental health. There are so many moving parts to life – employment concerns, financial issues, raising children, illnesses, death, not to mention the things happening around the world.

It can be challenging to guard our hearts, minds and spirits to maintain our mental health, but as children of God we have a hope anchored in Christ Jesus. When you find yourself experiencing worries, stresses, anxiety or you would like to optimize your mental health, these tips may be helpful.

The benefit of prayer and worship cannot be overstated, no matter what we are facing.

Certainly, if there are situations that cause us worry and affect our mental health, let’s remember to bring it to God in prayer. We are instructed to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present [our] requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7). We refocus on God and are reminded that though we may be facing difficulty, He is still Sovereign. We are reminded of how important we are to Him and that His Word says “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

We are also reminded about the practice of gratitude.

Gratitude actually changes the wiring in our brains. The more we practice it, the more those neural pathways are strengthened. Writing in a gratitude journal or filling up a gratitude jar with things that we are thankful to God for helps us to keep our focus on Him. Create a praise and worship playlist! Listen to it while you are on the bus, in the car, cooking, going for a walk.

We have just ushered in a New Year, and so many people write out goals for the year. Also writing out Christian affirmations to carry us through the next months or year will also help us develop a positive mindset, calm our hearts and minds, and apply God’s promises to our daily life. Turn your worry, fear or anxiety into a faith statement.

Go outside & eat & sleep well.

I, like many others during the pandemic, enjoyed the simple act of being able to take a walk outside. For me, it was a few minutes by myself in solitude to clear my racing thoughts and to breathe. The link between physical health and mental health is powerful. What we eat, drink, our sleep and rest patterns and exercise affects our mental health. Food affects our mood, so let us decrease sugar, salt, caffeine etc…that can make us restless, agitated and sluggish. Lack of sleep can lead to heightened emotions and decreased coping abilities. Good sleep hygiene – prioritizing sleep and establishing consistent bedtime routines, reducing screen time, reducing caffeine during the day; exercising – be it walking, stretching, or movement can be a great outlet for relieving stress and promoting good sleep.

Access Counselling.

For some, struggles with mental health may be situational, but they may also be genetic or hormonally based. Certain cases might benefit from accessing counselling or therapy support to achieve better mental health. If you find yourself struggling to function with your day to day tasks, then speaking to a doctor or medical professional/therapist might be the way to go!

As Max Lucado says in his book: (Anxious for Nothing) “In fact, for some of you, God’s healing will include the help of therapy and/or medication. If that is the case, do not for a moment think that you are a second-class citizen of heaven.”

Have a good social support.

Having good social support/social connections helps increase resiliency and overall mental health. There is research that shows that good social relations improves overall happiness. It makes us feel understood, provides comfort, offers us new perspectives and can also help to reinforce healthy habits. On the other hand, loneliness and low social support is linked to depression and anxiety. It’s helpful for our mental health to find ways to connect – with family, friends, joining a small group at church, volunteering, taking a class, etc.

Do a self check.

What is your mental health like? Check on your friends and family; even the “happy” ones. If your mental health is good, then keep doing the things you know work. If you are struggling with your mental health or you know someone who is struggling then please give yourself and them some grace and self-compassion. Put one foot in front of the other and start where you can. Even if it means going outside to touch grass and breathe in some fresh air.