Working Through Mental Health Awareness Month

Throughout May, Mental Health Awareness month is a prime time to check in on your own mental health and wellbeing. While mental health awareness sounds simple, it's not always easy to keep a close eye on your own feelings and inner health. This month, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) continue to raise awareness and encourage you to support the mental health of yourself and the people close to you. We definitely also suggest that everyone should give therapy a shot: Check out our blog about all things therapy to understand why many people believe it's a good idea for just about everyone to try it out.

Here at Salt + Thread, we’re taking a four-week approach to the month and challenging you, week-by-week, to refresh and do a few things to take care of your own mental wellbeing.

Week One: Gratitude

To start things out, week one of mental health awareness month is all about gratitude. This week’s challenge is to write down 3 things you were thankful for and 3 things you were able to accomplish at the end of each day. Big or small, taking time to acknowledge these accomplishments and appreciations helps you stay grounded and aware of how awesome you truly are: Whether that be a batch of dishes done, laundry picked up off the floor, or a tasty lunch you’re happy to have enjoyed.

Week Two: Connection 

The second week of mental health awareness month challenges you to connect with friends and family. Reach out. Ask how they have been (honestly!) and check in with them. Engaging in this way can help deepen the connection and open the door to new conversations and connections. Actively listen and actively share. See how you feel afterwards.

Week Three: Movement 

The next challenge involves movement: We challenge you to move your body in some way or another for 20 minutes each day this week. Stretching is good. So is walking, jogging, exercise like HIIT, and definitely yoga. Recognize how these movements feel and acknowledge what you enjoy or dislike. You might even try something new and find a new favorite yoga practice or beautiful scenery to walk about.

Week Four: Time

The last week of mental health awareness month is about taking time for yourself. The challenge is to take time for yourself and only yourself this week! Draw a bath, light some candles, pour a glass of wine. If that’s not your vibe, rent a new movie or cook up that new recipe you’ve been wanting to try. Maybe take yourself out to dinner. Relax and make some time to let things be all about you.