As we enter into Mental Health Awareness Month and we prepare for Memorial Day, do your best to be gentle with yourself. Stop beating yourself up for all the things that are going wrong and that are out of your control in your life. Utilize your time focusing on your wins, be grateful for all that you have, and would like to see enter into your life in abundance. Celebrate life, you woke up this morning right?
Try to relax and live in the moment month. What does that mean you ask? It means to be still, live in the present, and listen to God/Universe speak to you. Slow down, use your senses to become more aware of your surroundings. When you become more conscious, you will start to notice things that may have already been around you rise up and become front and center in your life. Remember, good or bad, what you focus on does grow so focus on nurturing what matters most to you.
1. Gratitude & A moment of silence
a. Take a moment to give gratitude yourself and to the falling soldiers who gave their lives for this country. A moment of silence in honor of the fallen men and women that fought for our future is in order this Memorial Day.
2. Be kind
a. Do something nice for someone in the military or anyone for that matter, including yourself. Don't forget to show a lot of love to yourself. Everything starts with taking good care of self-first.
3. Donate to a cause
a. If you can donate your time or some money to a cause like a military family in need please do so. There is no better time than now to begin to do so.
b. Don't forget to make time for yourself and things that matter to you. Schedule time for this too.
4. Enjoy some nature time
a. Taking some time to enjoy nature with the water and creatures from around can help one to clear their mind. Hearing the birds chirp and seeing them fly while the waves hit the rocks is refreshing to the senses.
b. There is nothing like taking a dip in the water when it is scorching hot out. Therefore, being at the beach is a wonderful place to go to be in nature too. The feel of the sand from the beach on your toes can be rejuvenating and can help you to relax and just be in the moment.
5. Reach out and touch someone with your kind words
a. A simple call to say "I am thinking of you". "How are you" Not wanting anything but to let someone know you care can not only make you feel good but them too. Sometimes people just want to talk and may need you to just listen without judgment. Be that sounding board that they need.
6. Dance
a. If you want to release the stresses that are going on around or within you, play some music and get dancing. Dancing is powerful in helping to forget the troubles that may be going on. Dance can take one into a world of pure bliss if just for a moment. Bask in the moment and let nothing get you down for dance is known to improve one's confidence, mood, mental, general, and psychological wellbeing.
7. Laughter
a. Watch a comedy or get around people who makes you laugh. Laughter is indeed good for the soul and can make just about anyone improve their mood which in turn can improve mental health. A belly laugh can have you feeling amazing for days while getting a good abdominal workout.
8. Sing out loud
a. Lift your voice and sing even if your voice is not ideal for anyone else. Sing, it may make you feel good and that is wonderful for your overall health. Don’t let anyone put your singing down; especially if you feel good about it. There is joy in singing, especially in the morning.
9. Tears of happiness
a. Crying is known as a release of emotions from the body. Therefore, it is a healthy thing to do whether happy or sad. Crying can lift your spirits and make you feel better once you are finished. Crying releases oxytocin and endorphins which are known to improve moods. Allowing tears to flow continuously is releasing toxins from your body in the form of energy too.
10. Eat lite
a. Intake lite meals that are not too heavy on your digestive system, this will make you feel lighter and will also help to improve your mental health. Don’t want to eat alone, invite a friend, family member to a picnic, to your home, a restaurant somewhere now that things are opened back up. No one has to do anything alone with the number of people on this planet. Reach out and meet someone new, share your gifts and talents.
11. Hydrate
a. Whether it be water or natural fruit or vegetable juice, do your best to stay hydrated. The brain is made up of 80% water and that is what it needs to function optimally. The slightest dip in levels can throw off anyone’s mental health and well-being.
12. Journal
a. It is so important to get the things that are running through your mind out on paper. Dumping the information somewhere safe can be helpful for one's mental health. The tension release can take the weight off your shoulders.
In Conclusion
As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month, it's important to remember that taking care of your mental well-being is crucial. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues and you're worried, know that help is available 24/7. There are six mental health resources listed below that you can reach out to for assistance. Don't hesitate to call or text them if you need help. Remember, you're not alone on your journey through life, and you never will be. Nurture Your Mental Health Today! There is no stigma associated with asking for help, it is the right thing; especially if you need it. Get Help Today!
These six mental health resources can #BeTheDifference, #BeTheChange when you need it most.
1. The National Suicide Prevention Line. This hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 to people in distress across the United States. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support.
2. The SAMHSA Helpline. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential information service that provides treatment and support referrals 24/7 to people facing mental illness and addictions. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for support.
3. Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support via text message 24/7 to those in crisis situations. Text HOME to 741741 for support.
4. The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project provides free, confidential support 24/7 to LGBTQ youth via a helpline, text and online instant messaging system. Call 1-866-488-7386 for support.
5. The Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis line provides free, confidential support 24/7 to veterans, all service members and their family and friends in times of need. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255 for support.
6. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Dial or Text 988
Reference:
Mental Health First Aid
National Council for Mental Wellbeing