Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health To Do List

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month (May)!

Mental health is health.

Mental health is just as important as physical health.

I’m thankful to be alive and working in mental health care during a time when the stigma around mental health is decreasing.

Although it has been a slow process, I have seen the changes with people being more open about talking about their mental health and seeking therapy.

Less stigma can only mean good things. It means more people will seek help and take care of their mental health without fear or shame.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share with you a “to-do list” of things you can use to help take care of your mental health.

This list is a collection of 31 activities. You might want to choose one item to do each day this month or you can create your own list, too.

Some of the items are linked back to previous blog posts, so you can read more about them, why they’re important, and ways you can implement them into your life.

  1. Reduce your time on social media

    Try replacing 30 minutes of social media time with a different activity. Then try building the amount of time from there - 1 hour, 90 minutes, etc.

  2. Stay hydrated

  3. Get enough sleep

    Try to sleep for at least 8 hours.

  4. Maintain your personal hygiene

  5. Get creative

  6. Have fun and do things you enjoy

  7. Move your body

    Try to move your body in whatever way is comfortable and enjoyable for you for at least 30 minutes.

  8. Practice gratitude

  9. Be present, mindful, and grounded

  10. Organize your space and keep your space clean

  11. Organize your thoughts through journaling or talking it out with someone you trust

    Talking it out doesn’t have to mean going to therapy, but therapy can be an excellent option for this. It can take time to find a therapist who is a good fit for you, so try to not get discouraged if you don’t mesh well with a therapist. There are many therapists out there, and you can keep trying new ones until you find one who you like and feel comfortable and safe with.

    My recommendation is to stick with a therapist for 3-4 sessions before making your decision either way (unless there is a significant red flag before then) because it can take time to build trust and feel comfortable, especially in a setting where you are asked to be so vulnerable.

  12. Take small steps outside of your comfort zone

  13. Challenge yourself in new ways

  14. Keep learning new skills and new information

  15. Spend time with people who support you

  16. Set healthy boundaries

  17. Be kind to yourself and others

  18. Challenge self-criticism and other negative thoughts

  19. Spend time outside

  20. Volunteer or give back in some way

  21. Set realistic goals for yourself

  22. Learn how to acknowledge, manage, and accept all of your emotions

  23. Spend time alone

  24. Create a “done list”

    Instead of a to-do list, write down all that you complete throughout the day. This can help you focus on what has been done, rather than what is left to do, and it can be especially helpful if you find to-do lists overwhelming.

  25. Limit caffeine and alcohol

  26. Eat three balanced meals

  27. Use one relaxation technique

    Try deep breathing, meditation, body scan, or progressive muscle relaxation. Apps like Calm and Headspace have many options to use, and you can also find others on YouTube.

  28. Listen to music

  29. Consume empowering content

    Through a podcast, book, or YouTube video.

  30. Use affirmations or mantras

    Create your own or search online to find affirmations or mantras that speak to you.

  31. Listen to your mind and body

    Examples: If you need a break, allow yourself to take a break. If you’re tired, allow yourself to go to sleep early.

What mental health to-do list item was your favorite? Which one did you find most helpful? Which one was most enjoyable? If you substituted with your own item(s), what did you come up with? I’d love to know! Send me an email with what items were on your mental health to-do list this month.

 
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Will Grief Ever Go Away?

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The Let Down Effect: Anxiety After Stressful Event