May is Mental Health Month- Tips to Help Improve Your Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 




It is a great time to make positive changes in your mental health.

Ask yourself what you can do to make positive changes toward better health.

Here are some ways that you can improve your mental health:

1. Value yourself and know your self-worth :

Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid negative self-criticism.

2. Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:

• Eat nutritious meals
• Avoid cigarettes
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods

3. Surround yourself with good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. It is helpful to make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

4. Give yourself:

Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need. It is also a great way to meet new people.

5. Learn how to deal with stress:

Practice good coping skills: Talk to a trusted friend, listen to music, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

6. Quiet your mind:

Try meditating and/ praying. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life.

7. Set realistic goals:

Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal.

8. Break up the monotony:

Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule.

Change your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant.

9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:

Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.

10. Get help when you need it:

Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives.

Reference: *Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare https://uhs.umich.edu/tenthings

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Blog By 
                Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
             Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 Diane Davidson Gammon MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure.

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