May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme is Look Around, Look Within, which focuses on how the world around you affects your sense of well-being. These areas of impact include: Safe and Stable Housing, Healthy Home Environments, Neighborhoods and Towns, and the Outdoors and Nature.
From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play. Your surroundings can impact if, how, and when your needs are met. However, you can take steps to change your space and protect your well-being.
Here are some examples of tips provided by Mental Health America:
- Create Comfort – Keep comforting items in your space or make sure there is appropriate light.
- Social Connection – Be a friendly neighbor, say “Hello” or wave.
- Find Green Space – Simply sitting under a tree can support your mental health.
- Natural Light – Enjoy the sunshine, even just 10-15 minutes a few times a week can have vitamin D benefits.
- Practice Tidiness – Instead of putting an item down and adding to clutter, get in the habit of putting it away.
(Learn more about Mental Health America)
How do you protect personal wellness? Share your favorite ideas/tips by emailing Lifeline@cdcr.ca.gov on how to improve mental health through your home/work space, building a sense of community, and spending time in nature. Stay tuned to Lifeline, Inside CDCR, and the Week in Review during May for more Mental Health Awareness Month information.
Story by Katelynn Poulos, Communications Analyst
CCHCS Communications
