Hygiene and Mental Health worksheet


What is the theory behind this Hygiene and Mental Health worksheet?

Our mind needs just as much daily care as our body to make it strong enough to deal with daily life stressors. Mental health hygiene can be seen as a preventive or protective measure against development of mental illnesses or maladaptive cognitive functions. 

It fosters a healthy mind that is necessary for general wellbeing and our day to day interpersonal interactions. There is a host of research that has shown something as simple as meditation can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. 

How will the worksheet help?

This worksheet will provide a list of good and bad mental hygiene behaviours with a checklist that clients can use to assess themselves. It can help promote healthy mental hygiene habits and discourage behaviours that are detrimental to one’s mental health. 

How to use the worksheet?

This worksheet can be used as part of psychoeducation regarding the role of individuals in maintaining their own mental health and equipping their minds with the necessary tools to handle daily life stressors. It can also be used in schools, workplaces or group counselling sessions. 

Hygiene and mental health worksheet

Did you know you can train your brain to help you cope with daily stressors and the resulting mental issues? Our physical and mental health are inevitably linked with each other. Just as there are hygiene habits that promote a healthy body, there are habits that can promote a healthy mind. Some of those you may already be aware of such as getting a good night’s sleep is good for both physical health and mental health. Use the checklist below to assess how many of these good and bad habits are a part of your life and what you need to change.

Good Mental Hygiene HabitsBad Mental Hygiene Habits
Getting a good night’s sleep. Preferably 8 hours at a minimum.Getting less than 6 hours of sleep
Having a fixed morning and night routineHaving no fixed schedule for sleeping or waking
Practising meditation/relaxation techniquesLack of exercise
Keeping a Gratitude JournalOveruse of Social Media/no limit on screen time
Keeping a Daily Journal – for your thoughtsUnnecessary ruminations of the past
Keeping up with religious habits – if applicable Unnecessary worry about the future
Engaging in any physical activity throughout the dayFocusing on problems rather than solutions
Having an enjoyable hobbyKeeping your feelings bottled up inside
Focusing on the presentUnhealthy food choices
Keeping your mind solution-orientedKeeping toxic relationships
Strengthening your social support systemComparing your life/situation with others
Recognizing when to seek professional helpNot taking out time for self-care/rest
Balanced nutritionBeing too hard on yourself/ Being self-critical
Practising positive self talk on a daily basisNot taking necessary breaks/rest between work and responsibilites

References

Goyal, M., Singh, S & Sibinga, E. M et al. (2014) Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis, JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357–368.

Tremblay, G., Rodrigues, N. C., & Gulati, S. (2021). Mental Hygiene: What It Is, Implications, and Future Directions. Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion, 2(1), 3–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/26320770211000376

You can download this worksheet here.


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