Mental Health Action Day

by the Hot Springs County

Prevention Coalition

On Thursday, May 16th, folks around the globe will participate in Mental Health Action Day. The day was established to transform mental health awareness into action. This year’s theme is ‘connection.’ We are hoping for a coordinated effort among businesses, organizations, advocacy groups, schools, individuals, and leaders to join together to inspire and engage one another to take real action to help us all feel more connected to ourselves, to each other, and to our community. We are encouraging everyone in our community to spend some time this week taking action for your mental health.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some easy ways you can take action this Mental Health Action Day.

Check in with yourself: As you go about the business of your day-to-day life, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself and to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings. Make sure you are regularly checking in on yourself and assessing your own wellbeing.

Connect with others: Connecting with others can help us have a greater sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. Go on a walk with a friend, or out for coffee or lunch. Reach out to a friend. Reaching out can make all the difference as we all need support and encouragement as we navigate through difficult times.

Get outside: Spending time in nature is a fantastic way to relieve stress and increase your energy. Plus, fresh air literally sends more oxygen to your brain, which can boost your mood. Even just a few minutes can help to escape the daily grind and practice a bit of mindfulness.

Drink a glass of water: Many of us aren’t drinking enough water on a daily basis, and believe it or not, the lack of hydration can have an impact on our mental health.

Try to meditate: Through meditation, you can improve mindfulness and self-esteem, while reducing stress and anxiety. Meditation is a simple way to clear your mind and escape the nonstop distraction of your daily life. Journaling can also serve as an effective form of meditation, as you examine your thoughts and create a space for reflection and mindfulness.

Schedule your first yoga class: Practicing yoga has proven to positively affect both your physical and mental health. There are several different styles of yoga, so you can find the style that best suits your needs. Yoga is available in our community or you can find hundreds of sessions on youtube to follow.

Volunteer in your community: Giving back to the community can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, positively impacting your mental health. You could also do small acts of kindness for people you know, or even strangers. Hold a door for someone, buy someone’s coffee, or give sincere compliments to those around you.

Take a break from screentime: Try to give yourself some tech-free time, especially before bed as the bright screen can affect your sleep. We could also all use a break from the constant news coverage and social media. Instead of spending time on your screen, maybe listen to music, an audiobook or a podcast.

Remember that action looks different for everyone. Do what works best for you. Together, let’s drive our culture from awareness to action on mental health. If you have concerns about your or someone else’s mental health, please contact a medical professional or call or text 988 for free and confidential help.