As Cinthya Molina, a psychologist at SHA, explains: \u201cThe World Health Organisation defines mental health not only as the absence of mental disorders<\/strong> but as a complete and balanced state of physical, mental and social well-being where each individual can develop all of their capacities, face the ordinary stress of daily life<\/strong>, work in a productive way and contribute to the community. In short, it implies a positive feeling<\/strong> that combines individual well-being with functioning in society because, let\u2019s not forget, human beings are social beings\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n The first step to enjoying good mental health is accepting that frustration,<\/strong> rage, fear, uncertainty or sadness are all natural emotions that, sooner or later, are going to form part of our lives.<\/strong> When we are faced with these negative feelings<\/strong>, if we take them on with a positive attitude, we\u2019ll keep them from becoming an anchor that doesn\u2019t allow us to progress. As Cinthya explains: \u201cscientific bibliography tells us that people with a greater capacity to adapt<\/strong> and take on stressful situations in life, meaning, people who are more resilient<\/strong>, have an incredible factor of protection against mental illnesses<\/strong>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n However, the emotional balance<\/strong> does not depend solely on learning to manage stress<\/strong>, because all parts of the human body are linked and interconnected and communicate with each other constantly. Cinthya confirms this: \u201cthere is a direct and bidirectional connection between the emotional and physical planes<\/strong>. That is why diseases in the physical realm are projected on an emotional level, and vice versa.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Good emotional health depends, and very much so, on lifestyle habits<\/strong>: the healthier, the better. Following a healthy and balanced diet<\/strong>, rich in seasonal fruit and vegetables, whole grains, pulses, seeds, nuts and seaweed and free from ultra-processed foods, refined flours and sugars and alcohol, will stave off emotional fluctuations<\/strong> and mental confusion or fog. Practicing regular moderate physical activity<\/strong> is also an essential factor that has a direct influence on mental health and favours the body-mind balance. When we exercise, the body segregates hormones, such as endorphins, serotonin<\/strong> and dopamine, that help us to release tension<\/strong> and control stress, reduce anxiety, improve restorative rest and increase energy levels.<\/p>\n