You know that you need to eat healthy foods and exercise to feel good and live longer. Another key part to living longer is your mental health.

This past Sunday, Oct. 10, is World Mental Health Day. Observed since 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, it is an internal day for education, awareness and advocacy. The day is also a good opportunity to check in with yourself about how you’re doing and incorporate new strategies to improve your mental well-being.

Here are some ideas to help you boost your mood, relax and enjoy life:

• Stay in touch with family and friends. Maintaining relationships is good for your mental health. Call and visit your children or grandchildren. If you don't have family or friends nearby, join a local church or synagogue, or a community organization.
• Give yourself time to adjust to major life changes. This includes not only obvious negative events, like the death of your spouse or a friend, but also “positive” events like moving or retiring. These can be accompanied by a sense of loss. Grieving any loss is natural and necessary.
• Keep busy with mentally stimulating activities. Consider volunteering or taking a class. Explore new interests such as learning another language.
• Consider getting a pet. A pet can be a wonderful companion. Pet owners get more exercise and have more social contact than those without a pet.
• Exercise. Take a walk or ride a bike. Exercise improves how you feel mentally, as well as physically.
• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute to depression. Try to get as much sleep as you need. Although we often say that a person needs about eight hours of sleep per night, this is only an average number. Some people find they need more. It's important that you find out for yourself how many hours you need for restful, restorative sleep.
• Practice optimism and good humor. A positive attitude and laughter boost your mood. Spend time with people who make you laugh. Rent funny movies.
• Be open to learning about new technology and what aspects of it may fit with your lifestyle and interests.

Keep this list handy and add ideas of your own. It's worth putting good mental health at the top of your to-do list every day.

Source: The StayWell Company