May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Many people don’t realize the importance of mental health. Lots of people discuss the benefits of diet and exercise, which can affect mental health to some degree, but are mainly focused on physical health. The health of the mind, mental health, is often overlooked. This is unfortunate because mental health, particularly in seniors, is vital for maintaining happiness and self-esteem.
What is National Mental Health Awareness Month?
National Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized in the United States since 1949. According to Wikipedia, “Mental Health Awareness Month was started in the United States in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). Each year in mid-March Mental Health America releases a toolkit of materials to guide preparation for outreach activities during Mental Health Awareness Month. During the month of May, Mental Health America, its affiliates, and other organizations interested in mental health conduct a number of activities which are based on a different theme each year.”
Theme for 2019
The 2019 theme for National Mental Health Awareness Month is “4mind4body”, with an emphasis on animal companionship, spirituality, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections. This can allow people that want to participate to take part in numerous different activities that can support their own mental health, or others.
Mental Health Ideas
Beginning with animal companionship, assuming you have a pet, take that pet on a pet-cation. That’s a vacation with and for your pet. Go to the beach, or on a nice hike with your animal. Not only will the time spent be appreciated by your pet, but you’ll get lots of mental health benefits by spending some quality time with your companion.
When it comes to spirituality, each person is different. Whatever you believe, really devote some time to your beliefs. Get in touch with yourself through your belief. This can be really beneficial to not only yourself, but others. Specifically, if you’re part of a church, for example, getting in touch with yourself through your faith can bring others closer to you, which can help even more with your mental health.
Humor is simple. Laugh more. Try and find something funny in every situation. You could also go to a comedy club or show. Maybe even watch a funny movie. Watch funny videos on YouTube. Just laugh more. It really does help you feel a little better.
Most seniors are near or in the midst of retirement, but for those that aren’t, keep work and your home life separate. It’s very important not to bring the stress of work into your home life. It’s not easy to do, but it can really help with your well-being.
Get outside, go places, do things, particularly with others. That’s a great way to boost the quality of your mental health. Go out to dinner with someone and just talk about whatever comes to mind. See a concert, play, or movie. Whatever you do, surround yourself with people you love or enjoy being around, and that return that feeling to you.
Mental Health Conclusion
With National Mental Health Awareness Month in full swing, take some time to do a combination of the above for yourself and others. Taking care of ourselves is very important. Be well.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, Dining Perfected, and Fitness Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
