But the importance of maintaining balance in mind as well as body has become undeniably apparent. The understanding and treatment of mental illness has had a checkered history and a prevailing social stigma. Thankfully, mental health is becoming a topic that people are more comfortable talking about, and there is a growing appreciation of the importance of mental health for our overall well-being.

While the root causes of many psychological conditions are still not fully understood, it’s widely recognized that there are things we can do to improve our mental well-being. Beyond the ideal of simply reducing our exposure to stress, we can equip ourselves mentally to manage our lives better. Underscoring the connection between mind and body, physical exercise has been shown to improve mental health significantly. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals, that can enhance alertness, energy, and mood. Anything from gardening and cleaning to walking, running, and swimming can reduce feelings of stress, increase energy and focus, and even provide a positive sense of purpose.

Similarly, sleep is essential for a healthy mind. We spend around one-third of our lives asleep, and this is time well spent. It is our brain’s opportunity to repair and restore itself, regulating emotions and behaviors, processing information, consolidating memories, and performing essential maintenance—all tasks that help us function when awake.

A balanced diet is also crucial, with a proven link between what we eat and how we feel. Eating regularly helps prevent blood sugar levels from dropping, and staying hydrated boosts energy and mood. Beyond this, to function properly the brain needs the healthy unsaturated fats found in nuts, milk, and eggs, as well as protein for amino acids that are used to regulate mood: Avocados can help prevent high blood-pressure, which has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Our sense of mental balance and tranquility can also be enhanced by spending time around nature, which improves mood and reduces stress. Whether fields, forests and beaches, or city parks and even houseplants, the benefits of connecting with nature are proven, even if we don’t yet fully understand how or why. One theory is that because we evolved with nature and have an innate affinity for it, spending time in nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, thereby leaving us feeling more relaxed.