May is mental health awareness month, a time to reinforce and prioritize our mental health. Our mental well-being is as crucial as our physical health. It’s important to remember that even small steps towards improving our mental health can have a profound impact. Here are some strategies to experiment with this month:
1. Reconnect With Nature
Being outside has many mental health benefits. And since we are lucky enough to live in Southern California, you don’t have to choose between hiking in the woods or walking on the beach; you can do both! In fact, our region offers a variety of nature options, from Joshua Tree National Park to Channel Islands National Park. Research shows that anxiety decreases after you spend time outside. Spending time in nature can also improve your memory, cognition, and even sleep quality (and who doesn’t want that?). Being in nature forces us to slow down, and it doesn’t require any mental energy, so we can truly relax.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous this month, consider biking the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail. My favorite way to get there is on Amtrak. Riding the rails allows you to skip traffic and have beautiful ocean views while traveling. Once you arrive in Carpinteria, head up to Gonzo Cycles to rent bikes. With very little elevation change, this is a relatively easy bike ride.
2. Declutter Your Home
Living in a chaotic environment can be stressful. Visual clutter can distract you, impacting your ability to focus and leading to cognitive overload. We are more likely to be productive and focused when our home is clean and organized. But how do we get started? I like to start small when decluttering my home. By picking one pile or one room to begin with, the task becomes less overwhelming. Decluttering is often very motivating once you get started. You can see the outcome of your efforts, which feels great and motivates you to continue.
3. Make a Bucket List for the Year
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed making lists. But a bucket list is different than your typical grocery list or “to-do” list for the week. It’s a source of joy and excitement. Many people have found the value in making a bucket list because it gives them time to reflect on what’s important in life and what are some things they would like to accomplish over the next year. Making a bucket list can give you the opportunity to reflect on what’s important to you and what you truly value. Are there a lot of international destinations on your list? Or are there a lot of social events on your list? Not everyone’s bucket list will look the same, but here are some ideas of things you can include on your list: travel destinations, relationship goals, learning goals, events you would like to attend, or fears you would like to overcome. And the best part? The joy and excitement that come from achieving these goals, so why not complete one item today?
May is a reminder to prioritize and nurture our mental well-being, just as we do our physical health. Even small steps toward improving mental health can have a profound impact. I hope that these strategies can help improve your mental health, offer moments of calm, accomplishment, and purpose throughout the month.
