#MentalHealthWeek: May 4-10th

                             

I want to give a BIG shout out to everyone for #MentalHealthWeek! 

Many of us are having our mental health challenged in ways we could never have imagined during the COVID-19 health situation! 

We have Individual and Family Mental Health. 

We also have Community Mental Health. 

Many of us have also become more aware of how we can be impacted by Collective Mental Health. 

"Tried and True" Ways We Can Improve our Mental Health

Connect with others: Family, friends, become part of online, or other communities with people who share your interests, hobbies and passions.

Talk with Others: In person, on the phone, online, text and chat. 

Spend time with pets and animals: We all benefit from feeling connected with each other. 

Exercise: Go for a short, or long walk, or hike. Do some yoga, or simple poses. Lift some weights. 

Spend time in nature: Even short walks at a local park, or near water can be a great mood booster, or give us a reset. Gardening is a great hobby too. 

Meditate and Breathing: Simple breathing, or meditation techniques can be found via apps, videos, and other posts on this blog. :-)

Get back to basics and simple living: Keep track of what's most important in your life and make sure you're on track in meeting your own needs. 

Check in with yourself: Ask if you have what you need, or what you need right now. Do I need water/food/sleep/a hug/a laugh/exercise...

Be Kind, Compassionate, Loving and Caring to Yourself: Reminding ourselves we deserve the caring, kind, and compassion stance we offer others is a good thing sometimes. 

Feed Your Mind: Read, listen and watch things that educate, inform and inspire you, as well as entertaining things that make you laugh. 

Practice gratitude: Every day, think of, or even write down 3 things you are grateful for. 

Be helpful to others: Think of ways you can you think of others. Ask someone if they need help. Volunteer to help others, or in your community. Show your caring and thoughtful side to others with small gestures.

Be Friendly, Smile and say Hello: A simple smile and a Hello could make a big difference in someone's day. Being friendly doesn't cost a cent! 

Feed your Soul: Do things that fill you up! Make art, do crafts, listen to and play music, dance, sing, let loose and be silly, creative, goofy...