May is Mental Health Month

You already know that exercise and nutrition play a key role in mental health and wellbeing. Eating right and working out can help us destress, improve cognitive function, and release precious neurotransmitters and chemicals that balance our mood, sleep cycles, and more. That’s why my philosophy isn’t ONLY focused on nutrition. Yes, nourishment is essential, but so is movement, connection, rest, play, and …. You guessed it… mindset/ mental health/ your head game. The work we do together as coaches and clients is also a major aspect of mental health, and a big reason I love having a coach of my own.

A big part of prioritizing mental health is knowing how to. Being able to be thoughtful about what we need and do not need in our lives is called mindfulness. Each of us have different things that promote or take away from our mental health. We could divide these up into:

Energy boosters - things that make you feel expansive and blissfully happy. And Energy drains - things that make you feel empty and create a negative charge in your life.

The goal is to build in systems that allow you to maintain great mental health, and live a lifestyle that truly fulfills you.

Self care is different for everyone and should be! To find what’s right for you, try this: Make a happy list with at least 5 things. These are activities or things that make you FEEL great, bring you peace and relax or energize you. When you have your list, schedule them throughout the month. Share your list and schedule with a friend for accountability and then repeat it monthly.

 
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Here are some of the things that are on my happy list:

  • Walks outside

  • Cuticle oil

  • Essential oils

  • Candles

  • Soft music

  • Dim lighting

  • Unplugging

  • Nature sounds

  • Yoga

  • Happy books

  • Workouts

  • Face mask

  • Hair mask

  • Therapy

  • Sit in the sun

  • Victory list

  • Journal

If you feel like you want a little bit of extra help, check out these valuable resources to use today or tuck away for when you need them most.

US Mental Health Resources: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/

Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime to connect with a crisis counselor.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

A free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/

A community-based nonprofit [dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness.

National Institute for Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/

A research-focused agency with important statistics, information, and educational resources.

MindsetCarson Siler