May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I think every month should be that, because if there’s one thing we all need to safeguard these days, it’s our mental health. The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” What does that mean for our everyday lives? When we’re mentally healthy, I believe, we have a positive outlook, are productive at work and at home, and interact with others in a positive way.
Mental health awareness to start the day
That’s not to say that we wake up every day with a smile on our face. Far from it. There are stresses galore in today’s world, so taking care of our own mental health has to start early in the day. For me, it’s waking up in a panic, thinking about everything I have to do that I didn’t get done yesterday, taking a few deep breaths as I make my way to the bathroom, and drinking a glass of water. Then I try to smile at my dogs as I take them outside for their first time of the morning – not only reinforcing the positivity, but also setting the tone for the rest of the day.
A smile turns your mood around
When you smile, it actually does help your positivity. The NIH published a study a few years ago indicating that smiling releases dopamine right into your brain. You feel a reward for smiling. If that’s not instant gratification, I don’t know what is. And with that shot of dopamine, your optimism rises and so does your resilience.
Physical and mental health are intertwined
I’ve written about how to turn your mindset around. And it’s really common sense stuff. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise. All of this helps you be aware of and to protect your mental health. Yes, these are things we do to care for our physical health, but our physical and mental health are intertwined. They can’t be separated. When our bodies are strong, that’s usually a sign that our minds are strong as well.
So, prioritizing our mental health is crucial. Check in with yourself. Take time for you. Even a couple of minutes to clear your mind can be like a mini-vacation. Take a walk outside. Get together with friends. Make mental health awareness part of every day.
