Wear Green Day is Thursday, May 16. Everyone is encouraged to wear something green as a reminder to take steps to address their own mental health challenges and to help others take steps in finding the help they need. If the weather is nice, invite others to join you in a walk around the Bulldog Mile.
As we continue to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month, and approach the end of the academic year, now is a great time to reflect on your personal mental wellbeing. It is not selfish to take care of your own mental health needs–it is imperative.
Take some time to watch today’s “NAMI Central Iowa Presents: In Our Own Voice” or the May 16 “Make it OK to Talk about Mental Illness” presentation. You can find a full schedule of upcoming webinars and presentations on the Mental Health Awareness Month website.
Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Start with a few things you can incorporate into your daily routine. Be physically active, eat a healthy, balanced diet, get enough sleep, and explore relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
Next, take some time to recharge. Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and time away can even spur greater creativity.
Here are some guidelines to help you reap the benefits of vacation, wherever you go.
Get a change in scenery. Vacation doesn’t need to entail extensive travel. The fun of it is going somewhere that is different from your daily life. This may be a short drive from home, an extended road trip, or an excursion to the other side of town. For day and weekend trips, consider checking out one of Iowa’s amazing state parks.
Plan. Being spontaneous on occasions can be exciting, but pre-planning gives you something to look forward to, creating a sense of joy. Even if you’re only going across town, you can still identify which days you’re going to take off and plan what you’re going to do in advance. Not interested in a long drive? Check out the events highlighted on the Catch Des Moines website.
Identify the type of experience you want to have. The ideal vacation is different for everyone. For some, it’s soaking up the sun by the water. For others, it’s a creative pursuit, exploring a new location, trying new cuisine, or engaging in an adventure sport. Knowing this will help you decide potential destinations and activities.
Spend time outdoors. Spending time in nature can benefit you both mentally and physically. Whether you’re traveling or staying home, build in time outdoors as part of your vacation. Take a morning walk, fish on a lake, watch the waves crash at the beach or enjoy a picnic in a park. If you are looking for a new walk adventure, check out a Des Moines trail that you haven’t explored before. There are plenty to choose from!
Unplug. Unplugging from work can be difficult, but it is a big part of what makes vacation feel like vacation. It’s down time for your brain, creates the space for creativity to emerge and allows you to be fully present with your family and travel partners. Unplugging is easier said than done. Here are a few tips that may be helpful.
Create memories. Vacations are a great opportunity to create lasting, positive memories. Recalling those happy memories can head off stress, anxiety, and depression. Capture fun moments with your smartphone, through journaling, or start a gratitude jar. You’ll enjoy revisiting these memories in the months and years to come.
As easy as it might be to keep on working and skip a vacation, don’t. Taking some time away can provide you with an experience that leaves you refreshed and re-energized, and you don’t have to go very far to do it. So, get packing and go. You’ll be glad you did.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
