MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.

We made it! We are almost halfway through the year and a few days ago, President Biden proclaimed May 2023 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and to support those who may be struggling. I would like to share some tips that have helped me over the years with improving my mental health.

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave, and it can impact our daily lives, relationships, and overall quality of life. Good mental health allows us to healthily cope with the challenges of life, maintain good relationships, and enjoy a fulfilling life. However, poor mental health can have a significant impact on our lives, causing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and even physical health problems stemming from these conditions. Therefore, it is important to prioritize mental health and seek professional help when needed.

Here are a few things I have tried over the years that always get me out of the ‘funk’, I have also learned that consistency is key when it comes to taking care of my mind and body:

Taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental health. Getting enough sleep, eating good- a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood. It has been proven that exercise does indeed improve our mental health. This does not necessarily mean that we all need to become gym-bodies, however, exercises like 30-minute walks, skipping rope, or even a few jumping-jacks could help to start. As you build your momentum, you are allowed to increase the intensity of your exercise, or if you are just doing it to get by (just like me LOL) that is okay too! A little exercise is better than no exercise.

Practicing mindfulness involves activities that allow you to focus on the present moment and be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Doing this through meditation, yoga and stretching, or other mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. I swear by meditation! In the beginning, it seems like your thoughts are taking over and sitting there just going in and out of the meditation isn’t helping, but the more you do it, the better you get- just like anything, practice makes perfect. Here is a meditation video that my therapist shared. I use this technique all the time guided or not because it allows me to acknowledge my thoughts and release them.

Connecting with others significantly improves our mental health. My friends and I joke about the fact that our lives get a thousand times better when we see each other, but that is the truth. Social support is essential for good mental health and making an effort to connect with others, whether it's through spending time with friends and family, joining a club, or even volunteering. Man is not an island, and we were never created to go through life by ourselves. Call your people up, meet, and have some good ole fun!

Practicing gratitude involves focusing on the positive aspects of your life and being thankful for them. Practicing gratitude through journaling or focusing on the good things in your life can help improve your mood and overall well-being. Journaling for me is THAT girl, the holy grail, the answer to all my problems. Finding ways to show that you are grateful for your life in the present is how we achieve the most beautiful and positive mindset, which not only improves our mental health but can also increase abundance. (Lesson for another day!)

Doing things you enjoy, such as hobbies or other activities, can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Make time for activities you enjoy, or activities you once enjoyed. Connect with your inner child, paint, sing, dance in the rain, get yourself a coloring book, or watch old movies! For the past few months, I have been watching the movies I loved as a child. I recently watched ‘She’s The Man’ and remembered how much I enjoyed playing football with my brother and his friends. That made me feel good! (I was the ‘baddest’ goalie, don’t play with me!)

Lastly, seek help! If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek help. Talk to your healthcare provider, a mental health professional, or a support group. It's okay to ask for help.

Thank you so much for reading, I hope you take time out of your day to prioritize yourself, and I hope this month is kind to you.

Let's prioritize mental health not only this month but every month moving forward.

Love yaaa,

Cici B.