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PrintMental Health and Emotional Well-being
From survivors of torture, to someone losing their job, those who
are able to maintain a sense of control somewhere in their life
fare the best. This is why having a variety of interests and activities
is so important.
Many Needs, One Life
It may seem that a life that meets all of these needs would be intolerably
busy. But of course, one activity can meet many needs. Charity work
for example, could be said to fulfill 1, 3, 4 and 5, and could contribute
to 6 and 7.
Walking with a friend as a pastime might go towards 1, 2, 3, 5 and
6.
Generally, what this suggests, and what has been borne out by recent
research, is that a more complex life is a more healthy one.
Then if one area of life fails or is taken away from you, your basic
needs are maintained, at least in part, by those that survive.
So the message is...
If your progress through life has gone a bit awry for you or a friend,
check there is petrol in the car, and that the battery is charged
before going to a mechanic to have the engine taken apart!
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