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The Science-Based Self-Care Checklist for Mental Well-Being

articles Apr 16, 2023
mental well-being self-care download pdf checklist

Here are ten science-backed steps to a healthier mind

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people around the world are facing mental health challenges. The global pandemic and the realities of the climate crisis have heightened this mental health epidemic, with statistics showing that countries across North America and Europe are facing similar but unique challenges.

Mental health statistics from the past two years (2021 - 2022)

  • 1 in 3 young people in Canada have sought help for their mental health 
  • 1 in 2 adults in the UK have had their mental well-being negatively affected 
  • 2 in 5 people in the US have experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • 1 in 5 EU citizens reported unmet mental health care needs
  • 4 in 5 children and young people worldwide are experiencing worry about climate change

As mental health continues to gain global attention, many are seeking ways to support and fortify their minds. Practices and nourishing activities that help prioritize self-care are critical to our well-being. By incorporating them into our daily routine, we can build resilience to cope with life's inevitable challenges.

Here is a self-care checklist with science-based benefits to help promote mental well-being.

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE SELF-CARE CHECKLIST

 


 Michael Apollo MHSc RP is the founder of the Mindful Society Global Institute. Prior to founding MSGI in 2014, he was the Program Director of Mindfulness at the University of Toronto. He is an educator, licensed mental health clinician and certified facilitator in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.


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Albulescu P, Macsinga I, Rusu A, Sulea C, Bodnaru A, Tulbure BT (2022) "Give me a break!" A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance. PLoS ONE 17(8)

Bherer L, Erickson KI, Liu-Ambrose T. A review of the effects of physical activity and exercise on cognitive and brain functions in older adults. J Aging Res. 2013;2013:657508.

Pintado-Cucarella S, Rodríguez-Salgado P. Mindful eating and its relationship with body mass index, binge eating, anxiety and negative affect. Journal of Behavior, Health & Social Issues, 2016: 8(2) 19-24

Zhang N, Du SM, Zhang JF, Ma GS. Effects of Dehydration and Rehydration on Cognitive Performance and Mood among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: A Self-Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 May 29;16(11):1891. 

Karim F, Oyewande AA, Abdalla LF, Chaudhry Ehsanullah R, Khan S. Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2020 Jun 15;12(6):e8627.

Wood AM, Froh JJ, Geraghty AW. Gratitude and well-being: a review and theoretical integration. Clin Psychol Rev. 2010 Nov;30(7):890-905.

Wickramaratne PJ, Yangchen T, Lepow L, Patra BG, Glicksburg B, Talati A, Adekkanattu P, Ryu E, Biernacka JM, Charney A, Mann JJ, Pathak J, Olfson M, Weissman MM. Social connectedness as a determinant of mental health: A scoping review. PLoS One. 2022 Oct 13;17(10):e0275004.

Hale L, Guan S. Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: a systematic literature review. Sleep Med Rev. 2015 Jun;21:50-8. 

Alexander J, et al. Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 60, 2021, 101556.

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