Take advantage of this three-day weekend to reconnect with what matters to you.
Your mind matters!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Increased awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness is now more important than ever. We can all agree that mental health is essential for overall wellbeing, as the National Alliance of Mental Illness states, Mental Health Awareness Month “…is an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold – no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability.” In honor of this year’s theme – More Than Enough – here are a number of activities that you can do that acknowledge that YOU and OTHERS are more than enough!
WWYW’s TOP 12 MENTAL WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
- Connect with friends and family – show kindness, compassion and gratitude.
- Create a self-care routine – maybe take the occasional Friday afternoon off.
- Find an exercise buddy.
- Check out community education opportunities, including mental health workshops.
- Set up a Zen space in your home of relaxation.
- Establish a group for monthly meditation in a nearby park.
- Make time for mid-day yoga – whether at home or in the office.
- Take and share a free online mental health screening.
- Volunteer for or participate in neighborhood and community activities.
- Join a book or cooking club.
- Educate yourself and others on the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.
- Support a mental health organization.
DID YOU KNOW?
- More than 50 million Americans struggle with mental illness. (Mental Health America, 2022)
- Youth depression rates have risen from 12.9% to 25.2% from pre-pandemic to 2021. Depression symptoms can impact performance in school and interfere with personal relationships. (Forbes, 2021)
- Mental Illnesses can affect people of any age, race, religion or income. A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood and ability to relate to others and daily functioning. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018)
- Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2017)
HEALTHY HOME | TAKE CONTROL MENTAL WELLNESS PODCAST
Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend never had a dog. This episode’s guest, Carol Novella, has worked in the animal welfare sector for 10 years and has started a multitude of programs to help get animals fostered, cared for and into a loving home. Carol shares what inspired her to start working with animals, as well as the many benefits a furry friend can have on your home, health and mental wellness.
Join Marla and Jillian in this encouraging episode honoring our furry friends to learn more about Mutal Rescue™ and how adopting a homeless animal can save you, too.
