May is Mental Health Awareness Month when we emphasize the importance of mental health, raise awareness about mental illnesses, and work to reduce the stigma surrounding them. As we focus on mental well-being this month, it's essential to remember that it's not just about what we do to support our mental health but also how and why we do it. I will explore the how and why our mental health practices are crucial, and we'll challenge readers to try new approaches to mental health and share their experiences with others.
The Importance of "How" and "Why" in Mental Health:
In the world of mental health, it's easy to get caught up in a list of techniques, habits, and practices meant to improve our well-being. While these activities are undoubtedly valuable, the way we approach them and the intentions behind them can have a significant impact on their effectiveness.
The "how" in mental health refers to the manner in which we engage with these practices. Are we simply going through the motions or mindfully and wholeheartedly participating in them? The more present, intentional, and focused we are, the more likely we are to experience the benefits of these activities.
The "why" in mental health refers to our motivation and purpose for engaging in these practices. Are we genuinely seeking personal growth and self-care, or are we doing them out of obligation or to meet external expectations? Understanding our motivations helps us make choices that align with our values and goals, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and effective mental health journey.
The Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge:
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to participate in our challenge: try as many new mental health approaches as possible, and share your experiences with others. This challenge encourages you to explore different methods and techniques, helping you discover what works best for you and inspiring others to do the same. Sharing your journey creates a supportive and encouraging environment for mental health growth.
One helpful concept to guide you toward a more balanced practice is the "Healthy Mind Platter," developed by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Dr. David Rock. The Healthy Mind Platter comprises seven essential mental activities promoting well-being and optimal brain function. These activities are:
Sleep Time: Prioritize restorative sleep to allow the brain to recover and consolidate memories.
Physical Time: Engage in regular physical activity to support mood, energy levels, and overall brain health.
Focus Time: Dedicate time to concentrate on tasks and goals, which helps to improve cognitive function and problem-solving abilities.
Time In: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other reflective activities that encourage self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Down Time: Allow yourself to relax and engage in leisure activities without a specific purpose, allowing the brain to recharge.
Play Time: Enjoy fun and spontaneous activities that stimulate creativity, adaptability, and social connections.
Connecting Time: Nurture relationships and engage in meaningful interactions with others, fostering empathy and a sense of belonging.
Incorporate these seven elements into your daily routine, and you'll be on your way to a more balanced mental health practice.
Another essential aspect of this challenge is stepping out of your normal routine and trying new approaches. Breaking free from familiar patterns and exploring different methods can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of what supports your mental well-being. So, dare to challenge yourself and see how breaking away from the norm feels.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Experiment with various meditation styles and techniques, such as mindfulness, loving-kindness, or body scan meditation.
Explore different forms of creative expression, such as painting, writing, dancing, or even cooking. A window into art therapy for mental health / Une fenêtre sur l’art-thérapie pour la santé mentale - YouTube
Try new exercise routines or physical activities that promote mental well-being, like yoga, tai chi, or hiking in nature.
Engage in volunteer work or community service, fostering connections with others and cultivating a sense of purpose.
Attend workshops, seminars, or support groups focused on mental health topics or personal growth.
Swap out a familiar leisure activity with something new and challenging, like learning a musical instrument or picking up a new hobby.
As you embark on this challenge, remember to approach each new activity with mindfulness and intention, paying close attention to how you engage with the practice and why you're participating. Embrace the opportunity to explore new approaches and share your journey with others, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for mental health growth.
Maintaining a Healthy Level of Mental Health Practice:
While exploring new mental health practices is essential for growth and self-discovery, it's equally important to maintain a healthy level of mental health practice. Mental health is a balancing act, and the only way to truly understand your unique equilibrium is through consistent practice and self-reflection. As you engage with various mental health practices, be mindful of your own experiences and reactions, paying close attention to what feels too much or too little.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, take the opportunity to observe how your mental health fluctuates in response to different practices, experiences, and circumstances. Notice when things start to slip and when you feel uplifted. Being excessively "high on life" can also indicate an imbalance in your mental health, as extreme highs might be followed by extreme lows or be unsustainable in the long run.
Finding balance is key to maintaining good mental health and living a normal life. Achieving this balance can help prevent long-term depression, facilitate recovery from trauma, and contribute to overall well-being. To help you find your balance, consider the following strategies:
Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your mental and emotional well-being, identifying signs of imbalance or distress. Journaling, meditation, or talking with a trusted friend or therapist can be useful tools for self-reflection.
Set Boundaries: Establish limits for yourself regarding work, personal commitments, and social activities. Be aware of your own needs and energy levels, and prioritize self-care.
Create a Support Network: Cultivate relationships with friends, family members, and mental health professionals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear when needed.
Maintain a Consistent Routine: Establish a daily routine incorporating Healthy Mind Platter activities and other mental health practices that work best for you. Consistency can provide a stable foundation for mental well-being.
Adapt and Adjust: Be willing to adjust your mental health practices as you discover what works best for you. Your needs and preferences may shift as you grow and change, so remaining flexible and open to change is essential.
Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate an awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, which can help you identify when you might be approaching an imbalance or experiencing signs of distress.
By finding balance in your mental health practices, you can create a more sustainable and resilient foundation for overall well-being. Embrace the process of self-discovery and growth, and remember that mental health is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, let us remember the significance of what we do to support our mental health and how and why we do it. By focusing on intention and mindfulness, we can unlock the full potential of our mental health practices and create lasting positive change. Embrace the challenge to explore new approaches and share your journey with others, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for mental health growth. Remember to maintain a healthy balance; together, we can create a more mentally healthy world.