October 10 is World Mental Health Day—a day focused on raising awareness about mental health and sharing ways we can all take care of our own mental wellness.
But what exactly is mental health? To state it simply, it’s about inner well-being. It includes our thoughts and emotions, how we feel about connecting to others, and how we manage life’s ups and downs. We all have mental health, and during our lifetime, we’ll likely face some type of difficulty that impacts it.
Given that we’re over 18 months into the pandemic, now more than ever we’re seeing challenges around mental health—reports indicate that stress and anxiety are at an all-time high.
Interestingly, however, during times of difficulty, it can be common for people to actively seek out positive solutions for self-care to stay balanced. This can look very different for each of us, and can change over time depending on what we’re going through at any moment.
Perhaps we’ve taken to organizing virtual hangouts with friends and family, or have gotten into a regular fitness routine. Maybe we’ve learned a new craft or hobby, or spent time outdoors slowing down in nature. For some of us, staying busy and taking care of ourselves is through new adventures; for others it’s about making time for rest and recovery.
Today, I invite you to reflect upon your own mental health, and to think about ways you can practice self-care. When was the last time you headed outside barefoot and planted your toes into the earth? Could you connect with an old friend over the phone? Why not throw on some music and dance around the kitchen with your family or animals?
Struggling and need some FREE support?