May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but we should always work to take care of our minds. It often isn’t simple, but keeping a few things in mind can help.
Meditate or practice mindfulness
Whether it’s taking up a regular practice of meditation or 10 minutes a day that are just for you, making mindfulness a part of our everyday lives can help deal with burnout and help you feel more calm, focused, and ready to take on the day.
Eat well and exercise
Eating a healthy diet can help you feel your best, but give yourself grace for whatever you can best manage — everyone reaches for convenient or accessible foods sometimes; the important thing is that you are nourished. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Also, if you’re able to exercise it helps promote the release of hormones in your body and can leave you energized and invigorated.
Set boundaries
Boundaries are healthy—for the person setting them and the person they’re communicating with. Know what works for you, clearly communicate what you need and how you will follow through on your stated boundaries.
Be kind to yourself
In all things, give yourself grace. Even when doing what’s “best” for us it’s easy to mess up: Maybe you skip exercise or meditation for days or weeks, eat fast food, or fail to follow though with set boundaries. It’s OK. Fix what you can, reach out for help when possible, and treat yourself like you would a dear friend.
Stay connected
We all need alone time—but we also all need one another. If you’re missing someone or want to chat and catch up, tell them. Connection to other people helps us live more balanced, happier, healthier, longer lives. And you’ll probably be helping the other person too!
Be kind to others
We’re all stressed. There are some big, unkind, overwhelming things going on right now. And yeah, we’ve all heard it: You never know what people are going through, so be kind. Still, it’s hard.
Try anyway. It’s worth it—for them, and you. Research shows that practicing gratitude, generosity, and kindness can improve our mental and physical health.
Note: If you see unkindness, experience violence, or encounter injustice; you NEVER have to tolerate it. Standing against unkiness is never unkind; it’s upholding your wellbeing and that of others.
What did we miss? How are you protecting your mental health this month and all year long?
