Content provided by the Health & Wellness Team at GBS Benefits
May is mental health awareness month. The intent is to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues as well as reduce the stigma that so many experience. Just like our bodies need daily nourishment and activity to stay healthy and functional, our mental health needs its own kind of nourishment. Committing a few minutes each day to care for your mental health is beneficial to your overall well-being.
Complete one of the following activities every day for two weeks this month to boost your mental health.
- Play to your strengths. Everyone has a skill or activity they are good at. Spending time on these skills or activities isn’t just fun – it boosts self-esteem!
- Learn new skills. Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint, or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.
- Track gratitude and achievement with a journal. Include three things you were grateful for and three things you were able to accomplish each day.
- Spend some time with a furry friend. Time with animals lowers the stress hormone cortisol and boosts oxytocin, which stimulates feelings of happiness. If you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.
- Do your best to enjoy 15 minutes of sunshine and apply sunscreen. Sunlight synthesizes vitamin D, which experts believe is a mood elevator.
- Perform a random act of kindness.
- Practice forgiveness, even if it’s just forgiving that person who cut you off during your commute. People who forgive have better mental health and report being more satisfied with their lives.
- Be a tourist in your own town. We often only explore attractions on trips away from home, but you may be surprised what cool things you find in your own area.
- Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy, or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
- Try something outside your comfort zone to make room for adventure and excitement in your life. Remember the words of Albert Einstein, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”
- Nourish your body with a healthy snack or meal. Incorporate fruits and vegetables that are in season this time of year.
- Practice mindfulness. Check out this article https://news.leavitt.com/healthy-habits/mindful-munching/ to learn how to be mindful while prepping and eating your meals.
Reference:
https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health
