May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I often talk about the big things (like therapy) and the small things (like journaling), that you can do to support your mental health. Here’s is just a tiny fraction of things that you can do to support yourself in your mental health journey, complete with links to some longer posts that I’ve written previously. Take some time today and grab a cuppa (I’m in London right now!), and do one or two things that will help you look after your mental health.
- Delete/block/unfollow that person that makes you feel less than
- Inhale a huge breath of your favorite smells (I love citrus and lavender)
- Brew a cup of coffee or tea and sip slowly (or drink some water if you prefer)
- Use an app like MindShift or SuperBetter to help you improve your mental health
- Indulge in a favorite snack
- Declutter an area of your house that you’ve been meaning to get to
- If you’re on any sort of medication, here is your reminder to take it
- Listen to a favorite song
- Wear that article of clothing that makes you feel safe and comfortable
- Text or call someone who supports you
- Set the background of your phone to something or someone inspiring (mine is Captain America)
- Make an appointment with your therapist (or find a therapist!)
- Quit the job that is making you feel undermined, anxious, or unworthy.
- Try out a creative activity like painting, writing, or singing.
- Complete a random act of kindness
- Cancel the plans that you made because you felt you had to
- Look in the mirror and tell yourself 5 things that you like about you.
- Say no
- Give yourself permission to cry over that thing you said you wouldn’t cry over
- Bask in the sun for a few minutes (and I say this as a fan of rainy, cloudy days)
- Watch a funny movie or video
- Read a book that will help to lift your mood
- Give yourself a break (in whatever way that means to you)
- Try something new that you’ve always wanted to do
- Do something you haven’t done since you were a child (blow bubbles, hula hoop, color).
If you’re looking for even more support with coping with mental health issues, check out my workbook, I’ve Got This! It’s a mini-workbook on coping with mental health issues and includes multiple worksheets to help you with taking steps forward in your mental health journey. Check out the I’ve Got This!, here!
What’s your favorite thing from the list? Or what’s your favorite way to support your mental health?
Briana Hollis is a licensed social worker and self-care coach. She earned her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 2014 and her Master of Education from Tiffin University in 2019. She has spent the last 5 years working in crisis intervention. Her passion for serving others is the heart of this site. She started Learning To Be Free to assist others in bringing freedom to their lives.
Briana is also the author of The Self-Care Journal for Young Adults.
This is a great article, thank you for sharing.
My preferred action depends on how/why my mental health is suffering (sometimes I need quiet time, sometimes I need friends, sometimes I need to face issues, sometimes I need creativity), but my main go to is running. It ticks so many boxes for me – time to myself, exercise endorphins, getting out in nature, helping me to relax…
Me too! Different things work for me depending on how I’m feeling. Thank you for reading!
Wonderful ideas here! I especially suggest finding a therapist! It can do the world of good just to talk to someone.
– Nyxie
I agree! Going to therapy was a great step towards better mental health for me.
Great tips! When I’m feeling mentally low I listen to music, write or go for a long walk.
Thank you! I love listening to music and writing too 🙂