Prevention is often discussed when it comes to our physical health, but we don’t always consider mental health preventative treatment. There are many studies, dating back decades, that highlight the protective impact of having a solid foundation when it comes to your mental health. Whether you call it Preventative Psychology, Positive Psychology, or Salutogenesis, this is a topic that EVERYONE can use to improve their overall resilience. That way, when tough times inevitably come, you will be that much more prepared to handle them!
Salutogenesis is the improvement of health, even in the absence of disease. The word comes from the Latin “salut” (health) and the Greek “genesis” (origin). And if you think about it, having a healthy baseline is absolutely the “origin for health,” both physical and mental. We can all relate to catching a cold more easily or having less patience when we are sleep deprived or experiencing stress. The key is to work on your mental health during good times, and maintain the momentum of working on yourself. Too many of us only seek help during a crisis, and it’s more difficult to cope without strategies already in place.
In order to practice salutogenesis and create the resilience to deal with adversity, experts look to PPIs – Positive Psychology Interventions. PPIs are concepts that you can practice and grow individually, in social groups, or in therapy sessions. According to research, the most influential PPIs are hope, gratitude, and creativity. PPIs also include acts of kindness, building relationships, and practicing mindfulness.
PPIs lead to improvements in levels of depression, anxiety, and overall well-being. Hope was identified as a particularly effective PPI, making a huge improvement to healing from mental health issues compared to those with little hope before the issue presented. Just like exercising your physical muscles gives you physical strength, practicing PPIs give you the mental fortitude to lift life’s heavy loads.
There is a lot of exciting new research that shows how PPIs can change the chemistry of our bodies and brains. Having a high PPI influence changes hormonal activity, and affects the immune system. These factors can even influence a change in how neurons fire in the brain! The more researchers examine topics such as this, the more they establish the connection between mind and body. This ties in to the holistic focus of Positive Psychology.
In an effort to increase your PPIs and improve your mental health, consider ways that you can practice salutogenesis. Summer is a perfect time to do this, since most of us feel more invigorated and less depressed during the summer months. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- Start a gratitude journal
- Go for a walk on your lunch hour or weekend
- Appreciate moments of calm and beauty
- Connect with a friend
- Try a new hobby
Being intentional about building resilience during good times will not only improve your mental health today, but set you up for success in the future. This summer, don’t neglect your mental health journey. Maintain the momentum and effort to become a more resilient you!