HEALTH

Yes, say UK researchers who have come up with a five-a-day programme of social and personal activities, that can improve mental health. iTALK tells you all about the 5 ways to help you fight depression and Alzheimer's

Are you stuck in the rut of every-day life? Is your job, boss or family matters making you anxious and depressed? All you need to do is help a neighbour in need, call up your mother for a heart-to-heart, or join a guitar class.

The findings of The Mental Capital and Well-being report, published by Foresight, reveal that simple activities such as gardening, learning how to play a musical instrument or mending a bicycle can protect mental health, and help people lead productive lives. We tell you why indulging in five physical and mental activities every day can keep you happy for the rest of your life.

If you connect with loved ones
> You build a support system that you can rely on when you are sad, feeling down or need someone to talk to.
> Someone will notice if you are not doing well. If you are going through depression, they would recognise the signs, encouraging you to seek help.

If you remain active
> You stay fit physically. For example, walking increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve concentration.
> You stay busy. Activities such as gardening distract your mind from negative thoughts, keeping you from feeling low and depressed.

If you are curious
> You stimulate your mind, which fuels learning.
> You feel happy when you learn something new. When you exercise your mental faculties, you are challenging yourself, inducing positive stress, which in turn, keeps aggression at bay.

If you learn something new
> You stimulate your brain. Studies have shown that solving puzzles, or learning a new language can build neural networks in the brain.
> You reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer's, a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain.

If you give back to society
> You gain satisfaction and are at peace with yourself and the world around you.
> You are content, and that helps you look at life with a positive outlook. When your mind is at ease, you are less likely to fall prey to neurotic illnesses, like panic disorders.

The five gems

According to the findings of a new survey published by Foresight, UK scientists have discovered five activities that can help you stay sane. They are:

1 Connecting with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Developing relationships will enrich your life and bring you support.

2 Being active. Sports, hobbies such as gardening or dancing, or just a daily stroll, will make you feel good and maintain mobility and fitness.

3 Being curious. Enjoying the beauty of every-day moments helps you appreciate what matters the most
to you.

4 Learning something how to fix a bike, play an instrument. The challenge brings satisfaction.

5 Helping friends and strangers. It is rewarding and enhances self worth.

The five-point plan that keeps you happy

If you follow the five-point plan, you will stay motivated and truly be happy. While some of these activities challenge you and add an element of fun and curiosity to your life, the rest help you connect with people by interacting and helping them. Ultimately, they contribute to your positive well-being.

Though these activities cannot cure mental illnesses, they can reduce or postpone the risk of cognitive impairment, and also help you detect neurotic illnesses like depression, anxiety, psychosomatic illness and panic disorders in the early stages.