May is Mental Health Awareness Month, otherwise known as Mental Health Month, which means it’s a great time to show you care about mental health. With millions of Americans dealing with some sort of mental illness, it’s important to raise awareness of mental health and provide support for those affected by mental illness. Showing your support also helps fight the stigma that some in society still associate with mental illness, and can inspire individuals to seek help or adopt a better approach to good mental health. Here are some ideas to help you improve your own mental health this month:
Laugh Out Loud
It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine, so why not start your healing with a good laugh? In fact, laughing can be associated with many benefits to your body, including decreasing your levels of stress hormones, as well as stimulating your heart, lungs, and muscles. This can lead to a stronger immune system and improved mood. Incorporate humor into your daily life by watching a funny movie or TV show, reading a funny book, spending time with a child or animal, or reaching out to a friend that shares your sense of humor.
Get Social
Another great way to improve your mood and mental health is to avoid loneliness by finding someone you can relate to and connect with. Healthy social interactions can lead to less stress and better health all around. Good ways to find others to connect with is by reaching out to friends and family, volunteering, taking a class, or checking your local community service department or recreation center.
Find a Furry Friend
Studies have shown that animals can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life, especially when it comes to recovering from an illness or dealing with a disorder. Whether as a pet or service animal, animals are known for bringing happiness and relieving stress to their owner’s lives. Best of all, a reduction of stress and anxiety can lead to improved mood, which can reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
The best thing you can do to improve your mental health is to seek help. You are not the only one going through such difficult times and there are people out there who want to help you get better. Whether you start off by reaching out to a friend you trust, or you’re in need of professional help to get you through, just remember that you are not alone. You deserve good mental health, so don’t be scared to go after it.
If you or your loved one is in need of mental health treatment in Southern California, contact us at Casa Recovery today. We offer customized mental health programs in San Juan Capistrano, CA, for each individual, and our experienced staff is dedicated to helping you through your journey to a healthier, happier life of recovery.