Look around, Look Within: Mental Health Awareness Month is Here!

Originally published on the I Earned It Blog.

Use these three tips this Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of and advocating for mental health issues. Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949 by Mental Health America. This year, MHA is asking “individuals to look around, look within” to focus on how our surroundings impact mental health.

Here are three ways to look around and look within this Mental Health Awareness Month:

1. Make a healthy home environment

Our homes are where we spend the majority of our time, so it only makes sense that we enjoy the homes we live in. A study in Current Psychology found that clutter leads to procrastination, feeling overwhelmed and a lower quality of life. We can improve our homes and our quality of life with a few simple steps:

Tackle your highest stressors first: If deciding what meal to have is one of your top stressors, try meal planning and having everything you need bought on the weekend. Additionally, if getting ready in the morning stresses you, lay out your outfit and make your lunch the night before; also, have ready-made breakfasts on hand to simplify your morning.
Keep your house clean: To make a healthy home environment, you can start by keeping your home clean and well-ventilated, reducing clutter, using non-toxic cleaning products, and minimizing exposure to allergens.
Improve your air quality: You can also consider adding plants to improve air quality, using natural lighting, and avoiding smoking indoors.
Create a comfy and cozy atmosphere: Incorporating calming scents, playing soothing music, and minimizing distractions can help create a more peaceful and relaxing environment.

2. Focus on your neighborhood and town.

An article from the National Library of Medicine explains that “60% of your health is determined by where you live.” So no matter your living condition, focusing on your neighborhood and town can help you improve your living condition and health. Use these tips to focus on your community:

Get to know your neighbors: You can start by introducing yourself, bringing a small gift, or inviting them for coffee or a meal. You could also join local community groups or attend events in your neighborhood to meet more people. Your neighbors can be excellent sources of support in times of need.
Support local businesses: Try shopping at local stores and using local services such as restaurants and repair shops. Buy produce and other goods from local farmers’ markets. And spread the word about your favorite local businesses on social media and leave positive reviews for local businesses online.
Center yourself around community care: Start by identifying the needs and concerns of your community. Consider organizing events or activities that promote social interaction, education, and support. Engage with community members to build relationships and establish a sense of trust. Additionally, you can partner with local organizations or government agencies to address issues affecting your community. Remember to prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and equity in your efforts to promote community care.

3. Spend time in the outdoors and in nature.

There’s no denying that immersing yourself in nature makes you feel different. Whether you enjoy going for a stroll on a sunny day or listening to and watching the rain, something is mesmerizing about nature. The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that being outside can lower the risk of depression, foster faster psychological stress recovery, and increase focus and attention. Here are some ideas for spending time in the outdoors and in nature:

Go for a walk or hike in a nearby park or forest
Take a bike ride on a scenic route
Go camping or have a picnic in a park
Try outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, or rock climbing
Practice yoga or meditation in a peaceful outdoor location
Join a community gardening or volunteer group to spend time in natural spaces while also making a positive impact.

Look around and look within this Mental Health Awareness Month by making a healthy home environment, focusing on your neighborhood and town, and spending time outdoors and in nature.