According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 43.8 million, or 1 in 5 adults in the U.S., suffer from mental health issues annually. However, the effects of mental illness are spread throughout society and affect us all directly or indirectly. That’s why Mental Wellness Month is celebrated annually from January 1 to 31 to combat mental illness and spread awareness.
Why Is Mental Wellness Month January 2023 Celebrated?
We feel a merry cheer while celebrating Christmas and welcoming the new year. However, for many people, these events are an indicator of the struggles about to come. The rates of seasonal depression, loneliness, and post-celebration blues are at an all-time high following new year’s eve.
Mental Wellness Month serves as a reminder to maintain and sustain your mental health, despite the ups and downs in life. One example of this is honoring the connection between your body and mind. For instance, many people make new year’s resolutions that include exercise, weight loss, and dieting. However, mental health and wellness are just as important as physical health.
How To Participate In January Mental Wellness Month 2023?
Following is our list of activities that can help you improve your mental health and start the year in better spirits. You can also participate in the mental wellness month by taking any of the following steps.
1. Spend more time with your loved ones
Spending time with your loved ones can improve your mood and happiness, not just around the holidays. Multiple studies show that social interaction that includes face-to-face talking and eye contact can enhance the quality of your relationships.
2. Show gratitude for the good things in life
We tend to ignore the positive things while focusing on the negatives. Gratitude is a practice that can help you reverse this tendency. For instance, you can start by being grateful for your physical and mental health, followed by your relationships, possessions, achievements, etc.
Read more: 11 best gratitude apps you should try ASAP.
3. Plan a trip(solo or with your friends)
Traveling and spending time with nature can improve your mood, help you step out of your comfort zone, and provide you with lifetime memories.
4. Take better care of yourself
Self-care is a necessary skill that can help you regulate your physical and mental health in periods of immense stress. Some ways to take care of yourself are decreasing screen time, meditating and doing nothing, and spending time with people you love.
Read more: 11 self-care activities to heal your mind and soul.
5. Opt for therapy
Contrary to popular belief, therapy is not just for the mentally ill or those suffering from mental health issues. Therapy teaches essential life skills that can help you become more emotionally intelligent, improve the quality of your work and relationships, and live a more relaxed, stress-free life.
Conclusion
Mental wellness month 2023 is celebrated every year from January 1 to 31. This month-long event is a reminder to take better care of your mental health, release stress and become happier, and improve the quality of your relationships. You can participate by spending more time with your loved ones, being grateful for what you have in life, planning a trip, and becoming skilled at self-care. You can also opt for therapy and receive professional help for improving your mental wellness.
Not sure where to start? Here is our list of the top five affordable online therapy platforms to help you embrace your authentic self.
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