Kori Barnes 
The subject of mental health awareness used to be taboo to discuss publicly or even at all, but within the past two decades social media platforms have created a safe space for this reality that people may struggle with. If you’re one of those people, it’s okay. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone needs effective self-care practices to nurture their mental health and unwind from any stress or triggers.
If you believe you may struggle with your mental health, want to learn more best self-care practices, or even want to understand someone you love better if they’re struggling with their mental health, this article is definitely for you. So, what are some best self-care practices to enforce year round? Mental health is an ongoing process and can’t be resolved in just one month, so give yourself and others the grace to heal at their own pace. As long as you or someone is willing and wanting to take action to get better, then that’s the first step in the right direction. Here are a few best self-care practices below:
*Create a self-care routine. This might be one of the easiest steps in the process due to creating a routine that positively revolves around you. Everyone has different interests and desires, so it’s important to feed into those that help you relax/thrive in a calm environment. Whether that’s yoga, meditation, running, hiking, or sports it’s important to find a routine that helps you get back to your center.
*Venting/Therapy. Although this may not be what certain people are comfortable with, it’s important to be able to vocalize what you’re going through. Definitely find a safe space where you feel comfortable enough to be transparent regarding your experiences and getting the help you need. You don’t have to feel like you have it all together; the majority of people don’t.
*Support a mental health organization. This is a positive route to get involved with your community and connect with those that may be struggling with common things. A sense of community/belonging can make a drastic difference in working through mental health and having that support constantly around you. Make sure to be around people who don’t want to see you fail, but help you towards the best version of yourself that you can be.
Mental Health Awareness month looks different for everyone, but it’s essential to always remain kind and considerate. You never know what someone is going through in their personal lives or what versions of themselves that they project to others. Everyone is fighting their own battles. Take care of yourself.
By Kori Barnes, University of Southern California
Instagram: @korixnicole
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