Mental Health Month

• Eat healthy foods and make time to get regular exercise

• Get enough sleep each day; remember, seven hours is the recommended minimum for adults

• Take time away from work when you can, even if it is just to relax at home

• Utilize healthy coping mechanisms, especially by engaging in hobbies and other activities that you enjoy

• Reach out to your support systems, such as family and friends, even if you can only do so digitally. They are there for you!

Admittedly, it can feel difficult to follow these steps, especially when you’re already feeling overwhelmed and overextended. You may not make steady progress every day, but just focus on making healthy choices when you can. Sometimes you can help yourself by simply taking short breaks throughout the day or talk about your worries with someone you trust. Every step taken, even the small ones, is a step in the right direction and will help.

Because of the importance of our mental health, Mental Health America has named May as Mental Health Month. Their website (https://mhanational.org/) provides free, practical resources to introduce mental health topics like recognizing warning signs, knowing the factors that can lead to mental health conditions, maintaining mental wellness, seeking help for mental health.

Remember that everyone handles stress and anxiety differently.  Our stress load and mental well-being is impacted by a number of sources – work, family, friends, and even ourselves. This means we must all be mindful of both ourselves and others as we each address and cope with our individual stress and mental well-being.