Happy May, kings. In case you didn’t know, May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of this important month, we encourage you to prioritize your mental well-being and spread awareness among the men in your life. You don’t have to change your whole life or daily routine to improve your mental health. Taking small steps everyday transforms your outlook on life over time; it’s often said that it only takes 21 days to build a habit. Today, we’re going to share 5 simple yet effective tips to boost your mental health this May. 

Embrace the Outdoors

Take advantage of the warmer weather and embrace the outdoors – restore your mind and body by spending time in nature everyday. A quick 20 minute walk around your neighborhood or even just sitting on your front porch and enjoying the fresh air does wonders for your mental health. We spend so much of our time in front of a screen, contributing to brain fog and mental fatigue. Disconnect from the digital world and make it a priority to spend time outdoors this month, even just for a few minutes, for a mental reset. 

Prioritize Physical Activity

It’s not a myth that physical activity has a positive impact on mental health. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, also known as the “feel-good” chemicals. These chemicals improve your mood and reduce stress. The next time your mood drops, get active and feel your mindset shift instead of shutting down your emotions. Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated – find an activity that you truly enjoy, so that you stick with it and naturally integrate a form of movement into your daily routine. Set a small fitness goal to challenge yourself this month, and watch your mental and physical strength grow a little bit every day. 

Practice Mindfulness & Meditation

Taking care of your mental health isn’t just for when you’re feeling down and overwhelmed every once in a while – it’s a daily commitment and promise to yourself. It’s completely normal for anxiety and stress to arise throughout the day, but what truly matters is how we respond to these emotional challenges. Proactively take control of your emotions by dedicating 10 minutes every morning to practice mindfulness and meditation. This act sets the tone for the rest of your day and allows you to center your mind first thing in the morning. 

Be Vulnerable

As men, we’ve grown up in a society where we’ve been conditioned to hide our emotions and portray ourselves as stoic. Because of this, many of us have a difficult time reaching out for help and support when needed. In all honesty, vulnerability is one of the strongest things we can offer ourselves and those around us. This month, make it a point to reach out to someone you trust and confide in them. Opening up might feel uncomfortable at first, but this action gets easier over time and inspires others to follow suit. 

Proper Sleep 

In our busy lives, where we try to pack as many things as we can throughout the day, we often forget the importance that sleep has on our mental health. Often, we sacrifice rest and downtime to tackle our to-do list. While we want to be as productive as possible, we’re more likely to have mood swings and low energy when we’re not resting enough every night. Prioritizing sleep is essential to recharge our minds and bodies in order to start every morning with a fresh perspective. Take on what you can during the day and unwind at night. 

This National Mental Health Awareness Month, implement these tips into your daily routine for a healthier mind. Remember that mental health is a journey, not a destination, and some days are easier than others. Make this month the start of a life-long commitment to yourself for a brighter future.