Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May to help break the stigma and support people living with mental health conditions.
Mental health refers to a range of diagnosed conditions that affect a person’s mood, behavior, feelings, thinking and, ultimately, ability to function in daily life. Millions of Americans live with serious mental disorders, such as anxiety, major depression and bipolar disorder.
Half of people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Brain health plays a huge role in your overall health and well-being. It affects everything, including how you think, feel and act, and helps determine how you make healthy choices and cope with stress. Mental health is always there; your state continually changes depending on resources and challenges. Focusing on maintaining or improving your mental health is important, so here are five ways to boost your brain health on a daily basis:
- Express gratitude. Taking five minutes daily to write down the things you are grateful for has been proven to lower stress levels and help you achieve a more positive mindset.
- Be kind. Helping others and being kind not only helps the recipient but can also benefit your mental health. Simply holding the door for someone or giving a compliment can go a long way.
- Get moving. Exercising regularly can benefit your brain function, reduce anxiety and improve your self-image.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Fatigued individuals typically experience drowsiness, mood changes, loss of energy and appetite, headaches, and a lack of motivation, concentration and alertness. Strive for seven to eight hours of quality sleep a night.
- Spend time outdoors. Getting outside, especially when it’s sunny, can greatly improve your mood and ability to focus.
Seek help from your primary care doctor or a mental health professional if you’re concerned about your mental health. If you need mental health-related crisis support or are worried about someone else, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 and chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
Learn more in our latest Live Well, Work Well Newsletter!
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