May is Mental Health Awareness Month! You may be experiencing some stress, anxiety or even depression lately due to the state of the world right now. May is dedicated to making sure you know you are not alone and there are people out there that can help you manage and overcome these feelings. Here are some ways that you can improve your mental health and help others improve theirs as well.
Communicate with others
This may seem strange, but it is a big one. Because of social distancing guidelines that have been in place for a while, maybe it has been a really long time since you have seen or talked to someone face-to-face. If you are feeling alone, find someone that you can call or face time. It could be your mom, your best friend, your neighbor or even an acquaintance that you want to get to know better. Regularly communicating with other’s who bring you happiness can greatly improve your mood. Or, if you know someone who is struggling with feelings of loneliness, call them up to talk. It could bring a smile to their face.
Exercise Daily
Before you say no, this doesn’t have to be hardcore weightlifting. Simple exercises can include yoga, walking outside or even stretching. The main idea is to get moving and get those endorphins pumping. Endorphins will naturally bring about a better sense of wellbeing in your body, and lift your mood. Again, FaceTime or Zoom a friend to stretch or do some yoga together to be active while opening up that line of communication.
Keep a Graduate Journal
In times of isolation, it may seem hard to find things that you are grateful for. But, practice makes perfect. Start day one with writing down one thing that you are grateful for in your life. It can be as simple as “I am grateful for my cat.” Doing this every day will help you realize what you have in your life to be grateful for. Take this one step further and call up a person that you are grateful for. Tell them that you are thankful for them in your life. This is guaranteed to bring a smile to their face and to yours.
Related articles:
Learn More About the State’s Reopening Process
Show Local Nurses Love During National Nurses Week
Beginner’s Guide to the Vegan Diet
14 Pet-Friendly Local Nature Spots
