Help celebrate Mental Health Matters month!
With the help of Each Mind Matters, you can learn about Mental Health and more with the Online Activity Guide:
(https://www.eachmindmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MHMM-2020-Online-Activity-Guide.pdf)
Week One (May 1-9) -- ‘Express Your Support’ Let’s paint the town Green!
Using lime green chalk (or any colors for a kind message), create art on the driveway or sidewalk in front of your home to show your support for mental health awareness. Write uplifting messages for your neighbors walking by.
Join the #ManySidesToMyStory Social Media challenge
Starting on April 20 and continuing throughout May, Each Mind Matters is teaming up with Disney star and mental health advocate, Sofia Wylie, to encourage others to express the many sides of their story to raise awareness about mental health and support those who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Visit ManySidesToMyStory.com to learn more and join the movement, then visit TikTok to add your own story. #ManySidesToMyStory Challenge
Week Two (May 10-16) -- ‘Express Your Well-being’ Plant care is Self-care
This May we invite you to spend some time gardening as a self-care activity, whether it is planting new seeds or caring for the plants in our home. Planting seeds and caring for them as they grow can support our mental well-being by encouraging us to practice acceptance and be present, and it can be a productive coping mechanism for dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. Learn more at EachMindMatters.org/seeds.
We recommend planting Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers seeds because they are easy to grow in containers or in the ground, and they will thrive in many parts of California.
Color for Calmness
Use art as a form of therapy by taking the time to color these pages with positive messages. Download and print the coloring page files here: (https://emmresourcecenter.org/system/files/2020-03/MHMM%202020%20Coloring%20Pages%20-%20English.pdf).
Take a deep breath
We believe Each Mind Matters, especially yours! Take some time this week to try new meditation exercises and find a routine that works for you. A couple of no-cost options are the apps Insight Timer and Sanvello (free for students).
Week Three (May 17-23) --‘Express Encouragement’ Take One!
We all need some extra encouragement from time to time. Print and hang this poster to brighten someone’s day. (https://emmresourcecenter.org/system/files/2020-03/Take%20Ones%20-%20English.pdf)
Directing Change
This week Each Mind Matters will announce the statewide winners of the 2020 Directing Change Film Contest. “Like” Directing Change on Facebook to join us in celebrating these talented young people.
Week Four (May 24-31) --’Express Unity’ Extend a message of unity through sticky notes!
The sticky note wall activity is a visually impactful way to show your support. And it can be done in your own home! All you need are some lime green sticky notes and some wall space. Leave positive messages and doodles for your family members, your roommates or yourself! Then join us in expressing unity behind mental health awareness by sharing your sticky note art on social media with #EachMindMatters.
Did you know that Kindness is good for your Health?
Can kindness be the cure for physical distancing? Although simple acts of kindness cannot bring us together physically, studies show kindness can boost our immune systems by reducing stress and heighten the production of the “feel good” hormones in our brains.
However, even though we are physically apart, we don’t have to be alone. The simple act of kindness is something that can help us stay connected while also reducing the negative effects that loneliness. Even as we shelter-in-place, we can find ways to spread kindness each day, to others and to ourselves.
Here are a few ideas:
Call, video call and text with your friends and family – simply checking-in with others shows you care and can make someone smile.
Be generous to your community. If you can, support local businesses by buying gift cards or ordering takeout – and try to leave a bigger tip than normal.
When buying supplies or groceries, be kind to other shoppers by not buying in excess and only buy what you need.
Be kind to yourself by allowing yourself to feel your emotions, and reach out for support if you need it.
Even our practice of sheltering-in-place can be viewed as an act of kindness – we are making a collective gesture for everyone’s health.
