In this month’s GWell, we focus on Mental Health Month, a national movement to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being.
This year finds us in challenging times with a more heightened sense of emotions. Feelings of stress and anxiety from balancing work and care taking, and missing loved ones are not only common but valid.
While mental health can fluctuate throughout your life journey, incorporating daily habits can help build resiliency and strengthen our overall sense of well-being:
- Recognize and own your feelings.
- Connect with others; now more than ever it’s important to reach out to a friend, family member or colleague. Share how you’re feeling; chances are they are experiencing similar emotions during this time.
- Get outdoors. Exercise directly impacts the brain and can lessen the impact of depression and anxiety.
- Add humor to your daily life. Saturday Night Live is streaming free episodes as the actors produce the show remotely.
- Focus on getting a good night’s sleep
- Explore the benefits of mindfulness
Resources
- Children’s mental health is equally important as adults. In the following video, a clinical counselor discusses how parents, guardians and teachers can help kids thrive, build resiliency and self-confidence.
- Join a webinar hosted by GW’s Employee Assistance Plan partner this May and June. Topics include sleep, the importance of hobbies and how to cope with change
