May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so what better time to renew our focus on improving our mental health? Life is complicated and busy enough even before the stress and strain of Covid the last two years.
Because of the stresses in our lives, we are often told to take care of ourselves, but what does that actually mean? The link between our physical health and mental health can be easy to forget. However, they are interrelated and work together to help us feel either good or bad. By improving one, we will positively affect the other.
Taking care of ourselves includes the basics like eating nutritious food, practicing some type of physical activity, and getting quality sleep on a regular basis.
Beyond helping our physical self, what can we do to help our mental health?
Staying hopeful is one important factor in keeping a positive attitude. Staying connected and resisting isolation does wonders for one’s well-being. Sure, sometimes we like to be alone to gather our thoughts and decompress from stressful situations. However, humans are social beings, and need to socialize with others on a regular basis for good mental health.
Being nice to yourself is a good habit to keep. Giving yourself positive feedback rather than negative feedback goes a long way toward maintaining a hopeful attitude. Other steps:
The EVPL has many materials that can help you learn about managing stress, as well as pursuing your interests. From books to learn how to crochet to practicing yoga and everything in between, you can find resources at the library. We also have how-to videos to learn new pastimes. Our new Library of Things allows you to check out items and try them out before purchasing, such as outdoor games, cookware, musical instruments, and much more.
Let’s not forget that reading itself is a great pastime and stress reliever. There are many therapeutic benefits of reading, so grab a book to have on hand to relax with when you need to get away from it all and lose yourself in another world.
So remember to take care of yourself, and reach out to your public library to help you do just that!
Give her a crossword puzzle to work, and Helen is one happy camper. She also enjoys making recipes healthier, developing her green thumb, and tracking her daily steps on walks with her husband.
200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Evansville, Indiana 47713
Administration: ceo@evpl.org
Card & Account: circulation@evpl.org
Feedback & Ideas: marketing@evpl.org
All EVPL locations will open at 11:00 am on Friday, December 13, after our annual Staff Holiday Breakfast. But our digital resources are available 24/7!