Take a Long Walk | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

May Is Mental Health Month So Here Are 4 Activities To Try To Take Care Of Yourself

When we talk about health it is important to not just focus on our physical health, but on our mental health, too.

146
May Is Mental Health Month So Here Are 4 Activities To Try To Take Care Of Yourself
Meredith Flanagan

In This Article:

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Mental Health Month. Since 1949, the United States has recognized May as the observance of Mental Health Awareness. How appropriate since it is the beginning of Spring and the renewal of the brightness of the sunshine and the warmth of the summer months. We have all kinds of programs, facilities, and workouts to address physical health, but we tend to dismiss or even avoid mental health. It is time for longer days and increased activity. Here's to our Mental Health!

Smell the Flowers

Megan Carmen

Spring is in the air! The fresh breeze, colorful flowers and birds chirping are reminders of the change of season. Take a step outside and allow yourself to enjoy the newness that Spring unfolds. Our minds and bodies enjoy the warmth of the sunshine and the smells of the flowers blooming. The American Psychological Association confirms that sunshine is good for our mental health.

Take a Long Walk

Yes, it's true. Exercise is good for you! Physical movement actually releases endorphins in the brain. These endorphins have many functions, primarily they activate the feeling of "pleasure", happy signals. Exercise does not have to be rigorous to release these endorphins. A simple, casual walk can have the same effect as an intense aerobic workout. So stop making excuses and get up and move!

Step Back, Make Time for Relaxation

Giphy

Relaxation is necessary for the body to rejuvenate. Relaxation varies depending on personality. Some enjoy quiet meditation, yoga, stretching. Others enjoy a solitary activity like reading. While others enjoy playing such as group activity or sport.

Unfortunately, our society does not put enough emphasis on relaxation. We seem to be caught in a cycle of over-scheduling and over-achieving. The brain and the body need time to step away from structure and routine. There is an old saying that indicates there is a time for work AND a time for play. Relaxation decreases the amount of stress individuals experiences and therefore decreases the likelihood of additional health issues associated with stress. The benefits of relaxation impact heart health, blood pressure, anxiety, and overall mood.

Don't Forget Your Brain Needs Rest Too

Sleep. What can I say? Getting the correct amount of sleep is vital for learning, processing, memory retention and recall and it restores the body's energy. The amount of sleep necessary depends on an individual's age, but it is safe to say that our habits do not support this. The American Pediatric Association stipulates that school aged children should get at least 10 hours of sleep and teens should have at least 9 to 10 hours of sleep a night. Hmmmmm....raise your hand if that happens?!?!?! It's time to shut off Netflix and our cellular devices and let our brains rest.

I have to admit that living with a Mental Health Professional is an added bonus! My mom has always been insistent that we take time to address our mental health needs as much as our physical and intellectual needs. Balance is the key. If you think you may need some assistance, don't hesitate to ask. OU has a wonderful Center available to students and can be found on the 3rd floor of Hudson Health Center. They are available on a drop-in basis, check them out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

111556
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

22155
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

20514
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments