May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and after the past year and a half, it’s especially important to check in with ourselves and our loved ones. Let’s explore some healthy mental health habits you can start incorporating into your daily routine and mental health gifts you can give yourself.
#1. Practice Self-Care
You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, first and foremost, you must prioritize self-care. Self-care looks different for every person, so it’s important to find what works best for you. Though running may seem like a dreaded activity for you, people who love to run find comfort and stress relief in running. But, it doesn’t mean it will work for you. Dig in and find the things you truly enjoy and that bring you joy, peace, and comfort. It could be as simple as lighting a candle and putting on a face mask or sitting by the pool with a cocktail after a long day. Whatever it may be, carve out time for self-care every day.
#2. Know When to Take Breaks
If you’ve got a lot on your plate, the stress can quickly become overwhelming and lead to burnout. One way to prevent this is to know the signs of burnout, recognize them, and take breaks to prevent them. Consider a self-care gift like burning some incense or using essential oils to set the mood for total relaxation.
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#3. Connect with Yourself via Meditation
When life starts moving fast, it’s easy to lose touch with our wants, needs, and what’s truly important. Taking a few minutes per day or week to meditate will allow you to reconnect with yourself. There are plenty of apps out there to guide you through mediation, or you can put on some soft music and allow your worries to melt away.
#4. Try a Gratitude Log or Anxiety Journal
Sometimes the best way to tackle life’s stressors is with good old-fashioned pen and paper. On days you’re struggling to see the good, quickly jot down 5-10 things you are grateful for and watch your mood instantly lift. If you’re struggling with anxiety, write your feelings down to look back on what patterns or issues may e causing the feelings.
#5. Seek Professional Help
If your deteriorating mental health is making it hard for you to accomplish daily tasks or find joy in things you used to love, it may be time to seek professional help. Remember, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you are not alone in your struggle. Working with a licensed mental health professional can help you get to the bottom of what’s causing your issues as well as help you learn healthy coping skills and techniques.
Focus on Your Mental Health Awareness Every Month
The most important thing about taking charge of your mental health is realizing that everybody struggles in their own way, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Just like everybody’s struggle is different, the treatment that works best varies from person to person. We recommend trying out a few items on this list until you find the one that works best for you and prioritize mental health awareness, not just in May, but every day.