You might have heard that May is mental health awareness month. While it’s a lovely idea to bring up such an important issue, I didn’t have any conversations with anyone about anything they did that was meaningful and purposeful to “celebrate” in May. Maybe you completely overhauled your daily routine or had deep conversations about mental health with your loved ones. If that is the case, my hat is off to you! For the rest of us who let the month slip by, it’s not too late: we can make June mental health awareness month too.
For those of us who face daily challenges such as sadness, worry, or emotional dysregulation, every day feels like it can be an entire month of mental health struggle. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of addressing your feelings and emotions with a mental health professional. At the same time, there are small actions we can take to shift the focus from our internal struggles to make us feel empowered and stronger. Check out my 20 suggested actions below. I challenge each of you to do at least one item from the list every day for the entire month of June.
If you are struggling with a mental health issue, I hope something from my list brings you a sense of happiness, even if only for a moment. If you do not identify with having a mental health struggle, perhaps you can invite a friend to join you for some of what’s listed. You may be helping someone more than you realize.
Wake up early to see the sunrise
Surprise an old friend with a phone call
Play fun music and have a 15-minute dance party
Go somewhere safe where you can listen to birds chirping (or other nature sounds)
Make a charitable contribution (donate clothing, funds, or time to a great cause)
Cook a healthy meal for yourself
Meditate (sit quietly, focusing on breathing slowly) for at least 10 minutes
Write down the names of 4 people who care about you, and then call (not text) them
Take a 20-minute walk without using your mobile phone
Listen to calming music while doing chores
Take a break from the news for a day
Tell someone about the best part of your day and the most challenging part of your day
Exercise for at least 30 minutes
Stay away from social media for 24 hours
Extend a kind gesture (say hello or smile) to a stranger
Read something enjoyable in print (not on a screen)
Reduce consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
Watch an old movie or tv show that will make you laugh out loud
Sleep for 8 full hours
Watch the sun go down