In 1949 Mental Health Awareness Month was established and has been observed every May since. As the National Alliance on Mental Illness explains, the goal of it is both simple and complex: “Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.”
With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to share some important self care tips to carry with you not just in May, but all year long. After all, though observing Mental Health Awareness Month is important, mental health issues don’t wait for a special month in the year. They need to be addressed and supported every day of every month.
Self Care is Mental Health Maintenance and Support
It’s so easy to dismiss self care as a buzzword or marketing phrase, but the truth is it’s an important component of maintaining good mental health. It can also be a key component in repairing declining and poor mental health.
That said, here are some tips to help you take care of your mental health all year long:
1. Practice mindfulness
Take a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment.
You can practice things like:
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Meditation
2. Get enough sleep
Getting enough rest is crucial for your mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to anxiety and depression. Aim for at least seven hours of solid sleep each night.
3. Eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly
Exercise not only helps improve physical fitness, but also releases endorphins. Endorphins boost mood and reduce stress levels.
4. Connect with others
Social support is essential for good mental health. Reach out to friends, family, or join a support group if you’re feeling isolated. Perhaps you can join a mastermind if you’re an entrepreneur. The main key here is don’t spend all of your time alone.
5. Give back
Though it’s true you can’t give from an empty cup, sometimes volunteering and giving back to the community can actually fill your cup up. It’s a great way to connect with others too!
6. Seek mental health support
Life can get tough, and you don’t have to deal with everything it throws at you on your own. There’s nothing bad or wrong about seeking the help of a mental health professional. Think of it as simply getting a tune up for your mind.
Take Care of Yourself
Self care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Always remember that you deserve to make yourself the number one priority in your life. Here’s to your mental health!
Hammond Psychology and Associates is the go-to resource for residents seeking psychological evaluations from a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area. Click here to learn more about our Psychological Testing services in our Brandon location.