Make Your Mental Health a Priority During National Public Health Week

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of National Public Health Week! Celebrated the first full week of April, National Public Health Week, commonly abbreviated NPHW, focuses on many different dimensions of health and wellness.

Every day of the week has a different theme advocating for awareness on different aspects of health. Most years, NPHW is celebrated as a community, however, this year things are a little different. Although this week cannot be celebrated together in-person, there are still many ways you can celebrate while social distancing.

This year NPHW fittingly kicks off on Monday, April 6^th with the daily theme Mental Health. This theme is more relevant than ever in this pandemic that is affecting us all. While we cannot control the situation, we can choose our response. Find a coping mechanism that works for your mental health.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Public Health Week (While Social Distancing)

Just because you are stuck inside doesn’t mean that you cannot celebrate NPHW. There are many ways to promote general health and well-being from home. Here are 5 ways you can celebrate while social distancing:

1.Support from a distance: Focus on health at home. Share reputable resources about protecting yourself from COVID-19 with your neighbors.

2. Advocate: Find a public health cause that you care strongly about and inform others about it.

3. Join: A virtual public Health Movement in your neighborhood or around the Nation.

4. Donate: Time, Money, Food, Clothing, etc. Now is the perfect time to go through your cabinets and donate the items you’re not using.

5. Do Your Part: Join in observing NPHW 2020 and become part of a growing movement to create the healthiest nation in one generation.

Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

The current state of the world is likely leaving you feeling anxious and stressed. All of this uncertainty can take a major toll on your mental health. Finding stress coping mechanisms can help you get through these precarious times. Here are just a few ways you can destress:

Take breaks from the news
Watch a comedy
Journal
Yoga
Color or Draw
Meditate
Read a Book
Take a walk
Give your friends and family a call
Cook a new recipe
Bake something
Practice self-care (face mask, bubble bath, etc.)
Put on your favorite song
Practice breathing exercises

It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events. Make taking care of your mental health a priority in the face of uncertainty. Focusing on preparedness, staying calm, and reaching out to check on others will help get you through this challenging time. Remind yourself that COVID-19 is a serious but temporary illness, and that life will return to normal in time.

Your Call to Action: How will you be making your mental health a priority during National Public Health Week? Let me know in the comments below.