World Health Day

World Health Day is observed annually on April 7th, and is a global initiative to raise awareness about public health issues and promote better healthcare for all. The theme for this year’s World Health Day is “Building a Fairer, Healthier World”, which highlights the need for universal access to quality healthcare services, without any discrimination or disparity.

The world has made significant progress in improving public health over the past few decades. Life expectancy has increased, infant mortality rates have decreased, and many infectious diseases have been eradicated or brought under control. In Singapore, we have also seen improvements in public health, with the country consistently ranking among the top in the world for healthcare standards.

One of the most significant developments in public health in recent years has been the recognition of mental health as an essential component of overall health. Mental health problems are prevalent worldwide, and there has been a stigma attached to mental health issues, so people have been reluctant to seek help or speak openly about their struggles. There has been a concerted effort to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it. The government has launched several initiatives to promote mental wellness and provide support for those in need. The National Council of Social Service, for example, offers counselling and therapy services to individuals and families, while the Institute of Mental Health provides specialized psychiatric care for patients with more severe conditions.

The private sector has also stepped up its efforts to address mental health issues in Singapore. Companies are recognizing the importance of employee well-being and are implementing programs to support mental health in the workplace. For example, the insurance company AIA Singapore has launched a “Mind Matters” program, which provides mental health resources and support to its employees. Another positive development in public health is the increasing focus on preventive measures. Instead of just treating illnesses and diseases, healthcare systems are placing a greater emphasis on preventing them in the first place. In Singapore, the government has implemented a range of measures to encourage healthy living, such as promoting exercise, reducing smoking rates, and improving access to healthy food options.

One example of this is the Health Promotion Board’s “Healthy Workplace Ecosystem” program, which aims to create a healthy work environment for employees. The program provides resources and support to companies to help them implement healthy workplace practices, such as promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and mental wellness.

Despite these positive developments, there is still much work to be done to improve public health worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inequalities in access to healthcare services and the impact that social determinants, such as poverty and social exclusion, can have on health outcomes. The pandemic has also had a significant impact on mental health, with many people experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression due to the pandemic’s effects.

Happiest Country

With Singapore recently being named the happiest country in Asia, a lot of netizens took it online to express their scepticism towards the report’s findings. It is indeed difficult to generalise a population and quantify happiness and rank them into a list from least to most. But while that is so, it is still possible to work towards Getting to Happy on a personal level. Here are some ways we can take daily steps to start a happiness journey.

1. Step out into the fresh air
   Being outdoors gives us more energy, makes us feel relaxed and lowers blood pressure.
   Spending time outside increases the production of endorphins and serotonin which helps regulate our mood, digestion, memory, sleep and ability to learn.
   If you can’t get outside, just start by cracking open the window and breathing in the fresh air while you look outside.
2. Stretch it out / Exercise
   The mind-body connection plays an essential role in our pursuit of happiness. A great way to re-energize ourselves, increase happiness, and normalize our stress response is to move our entire body around.
   Exercise is also proven to have positive benefits on our physical and emotional well-being. We know it helps strengthen our bodies, and immunity and reduce the ageing process and stress, but it also improves our mental well-being with the endorphins, adrenaline and dopamine which are associated with feelings of happiness, and confidence, and reduces levels of depression and anxiety.
3. The best shower of your life
   Being present and giving our full attention to daily habits can help us to be more mindful. One of the best places to start is the shower! We often take things like being clean or having hot water for granted. Gather the things you need by your side – a soft fluffy towel, beautiful bath soaps, and lotion to nourish the skin afterwards.
   Notice what thoughts come to your mind, whether they’re from the past or are plans for the future. This practice helps to realign the mind and bring it back to the present.
4. Savour
   Savouring each bite, and noticing the smell, taste and the way a dish makes you feel, brings mindfulness to the simple daily act of eating. By using this practice, you are less likely to overeat or be triggered by emotions and are more aware of how much is needed to adequately fuel your body.
   It’s easy to incorporate mindful eating into your day. Slow down, remove all distractions, chew thoroughly and enjoy every bite while listening to your body. Try it with a cookie, your lunch or the next meal you have and make it the best thing you ever ate.
5. Prioritise your pillow
   Without adequate sleep we don’t function to our optimum level, leading to a higher risk of depression, illness and stress. With sufficient quality sleep, our mind reacts and processes feelings in a more balanced response, so that we have less risk of developing depression and volatile mood swings in response to our daily interactions. Implementing a consistent sleep routine is paramount.
   Try deep breathing in bed while winding down before switching off the lights to decompress, bring your heart rate down and calm the mind. By being consistent with your night routine, you will see an improved state of mental and physical well-being, and an increase in happiness.

As we celebrate World Health Day, it is essential to recognize the progress that has been made in improving public health and the challenges that still need to be addressed. We must continue to work towards a fairer, healthier world, where everyone has access to quality healthcare and the support they need to maintain good health and well-being – including mental health.

You can find out more ways to be happier and more mindful with our box set of 31 cards. Available for adults, new moms and kids. Or get in touch with us at hello@gettingtohappy.sg to start your One Month to Happy program with Shireena.