May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As an organization, we want to prioritize and champion positive mental health practices. That’s why we looked to UW Medicine, one of our sponsors, for tips to help you better manage your mental health:
Take a break
No, seriously. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, a walk, or chatting with a friend, taking just a five-minute break from work can save a stressful day from spiraling. Make some coffee, journal a bit, or jam out to some Bruno Mars. Whatever helps you take your mind off work or the situation causing you stress, do it. Once you’ve reset, come back to it and see just how productive you can be. Looking for more? Check out five tips on how to save your stressful, busy day.
Ground yourself
Maybe you’ve heard the expression “touch grass.” But, what if you actually did it? Grounding yourself, or “earthing,” is all about connecting with the earth through direct contact, helping to restore yourself both physically and mentally. In fact, just being outside is good for your health, and although not much is known for certain about the benefits of direct contact with the earth, some studies claim that earthing can “reduce levels of inflammation, improve sleep quality and act as a mood booster.” Interested in earthing? Read about four ways to connect with the earth.
Focus on things within your control
When you’re down, it can be difficult to turn things around. But if you focus on what you can control and take things step by step, you’ll find a path to a brighter mood. Whether it’s finally starting that garden, reading the book that’s been collecting dust on the shelf, or simply picking up your dirty clothes off the floor, do the small things that you can control. You’ll then feel less overwhelmed and can begin to tackle the larger challenges in your life with the help of others. Check out these four additional tips for how to stay hopeful.
Truly care for yourself
We live in a society obsessed with thinness, and the topic of weight loss can often take a toll on your mental health. So much time analyzing your body can create self-doubt and an overall negative self-image. Exercising too much or dieting is ultimately not sustainable or healthy. If you are not enjoying these things, then it will be difficult to continue to do them and make progress on your weight-loss journey. Instead, find ways to exercise that you actually enjoy: Play soccer with your friends or go on a hike in one of Washington’s national or state parks. Also, eat healthy foods that make you feel good, ensuring that you are providing your body with enough nutrients. Learn more about why to prioritize mental health over the scale.
Include a friend
It’s important for your mental health to stay both active and social. An easy way to do this is to include friends in something that you are already doing. If you play pickup basketball or indoor soccer every week, inviting a friend is an easy way to make your routine more social. It can even be something as simple as pizza night; instead of ordering Pagliacci for yourself, invite a few friends over, and you can be more social and also save money on pizza. (A win-win.) Want to do a better job getting yourself out there? Read about more low-effort ways to stay social.
Prioritize your mental health
Remember, mental health is important all year, not just during the month of May. Appreciate these mental health tips? Subscribe to the Right as Rain by UW Medicine newsletter. If you’re in search of mental health care, you can learn more at uwmedicine.org/mental-health-care. Experiencing a mental health emergency? You can call 988, text 988, or chat online for assistance from a trained counselor.
