Mental Health Awareness Month: Everyday Mental Health Tips

This month we are ecstatic to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. May is all about raising awareness; fighting the stigma; providing support; and educating and advocating for mental health. So, what is mental health, and why should you care?

First things first, mental health is much more than a diagnosis - it’s about a person’s overall well-being. When talking about mental health, we’re talking about a person’s condition in regards to their psychological and emotional well-being. From a stressful day to receiving bad news to feeling stretched just a little too thin, it all can take a toll on our well-being. So, mental health is something we all should be focused on improving.

Our mental health influences how we think, how we feel, and how we act. Furthermore, it affects our ability to handle stress, face and overcome obstacles, maintain and build relationships, and recover from difficulties and setbacks. So, how does one go about working on their mental health? Perhaps you can start with incorporating a few everyday mental health tips listed below. These tips are easy to integrate into your everyday life, and can help improve your mood as well as your ability to be resilient.

Make self-care a priority and a part of your daily routine. Self care can look like making smart financial decisions, eating a healthy meal, moving your body, or getting enough sleep - it’s not all about face masks and treating yourself. Your daily choices can be a part of your everyday self-care routine - from choosing what you’re going to eat to when you go to bed.

Disconnect from technology and social media. While social media and technology can be a source of happiness, entertainment and inspiration, it can also be a source of distraction and negative feelings. So, take a break. Perhaps you start your morning, or end your night, with one hour free of social media.

Engage in activities that bring you joy. Not sure what to do? Go on a walk. Paint a picture. Bake some scones (or whatever pastry you desire). Practice yoga. Read a book. Hang out with a friend. Do whatever! As long as you find an activity that makes you happy, and you do it. Life is meant to be enjoyed - so, try to find those pockets of joy wherever you can.

Practice meditation and mindfulness. Meditating and practicing mindfulness will help you stay in the present moment. These practices can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. It’s even been proven by research that meditating can make you feel calmer. Maybe you can start with a daily five-minute guided meditation.

See a licensed mental health professional. For some, seeing a therapist on a regular basis is helpful while for others it’s best to see a therapist on a situational level. So, decide what’s best for you, and have no shame in it. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength - not a weakness.

This list is small, yet big. This list is meant to be vague so you can really make it your own. At Home Snappers, we want to encourage everyone to take their mental health seriously and to take care of YOU - you are one-of-a-kind, and the world is better with you in it.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS

Text “MHA” to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year.

Spanish speakers: 1-888-628-9454.

Deaf & hard of hearing: TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.