According to the World Health Organization, the concept of health is much broader than just the absence of disease. In addition to physical health, mental health is extremely important and without it, there really is no health. Although there is still a stigma attached to mental health, which stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding, it is being addressed more frequently and needs real attention.

Let's start by defining it: it is characterized by emotional, psychological and social well-being. It directly affects the way we think, feel and act. It determines how we deal with stress, the relationship we have with the people around us and the decision-making process.

The importance of mental health

Mental health is crucial at all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and old age. Good mental health makes a very positive contribution to our lives:

• Improves quality of life: people are more satisfied with their lives and generally have healthier relationships.
• Increases productivity: allows individuals to be more productive and efficient in their daily and professional activities.
• Reduces the risk of physical illness: there is a strong link between mental health and physical health. For example, mental disorders considerably increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Things to look out for

Regular physical exercise, a balanced diet and an adequate sleep routine are essential for taking care of our mental health. Let's not forget relaxation techniques that can help us a lot, such as meditation and yoga. Last, but not the least, it's important to take care of our relationships with other people. Fostering healthy relationships is vital to feeling integrated and supported.

In cases where mental health is weakened, we should resort to psychotherapy, where the work of a psychologist or therapist will help us deal with emotional and behavioral issues, or even medication to balance out any disturbances.

Returning to work after the vacations tends to be a challenging period, but by adopting a few strategies, you can make this transition smoother and more productive.

Here are some tips to make this process easier:

• Organize your schedule by prioritizing what's most important.
• Adjust your sleep routine little by little to the one you'll have after the vacations.
• Fill the calendar for the following months with programs that provide pleasure (investing in self-care, reading, taking up a hobby such as dancing, gardening, volunteering, organizing programs with family and friends).

Returning to routine and work after the vacations doesn't have to be stressful and distressing. It's even easier when you return to a team you enjoy working with and feel good about. You can watch a short video of our team's holiday here.