How to Use World Mental Health Day to Boost Your Mood

October 10th marks the annual World Mental Health Day, which provides an opportunity to think about the state of your mental health, as well as the state of mental health of those around you. If you’re going through a hard time, don’t be ashamed - anyone can struggle with their mental health on occasion. Here are some tips that will help you get through this time and come out stronger on the other side.

What is World Mental Health Day?

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th every year. It marks the date in 1948 that the World Federation for Mental Health was established. This day is meant to raise awareness about mental health and break down stigmas surrounding mental illness.

Here at EmpowHER, we want you to be able to take care of your own mental health. We know how hard it can be in today’s fast-paced, stressful world. That’s why we’re here with five simple ways that you can use World Mental Health Day as a tool for improving your own mood and well-being.

First, if you are feeling stressed out and/or anxious, try participating in something fun with your friends or family. Spending time in enjoyable social situations helps improve mood and decrease stress.

The Importance of Self-Care

October 10th is World Mental Health day, a time for all of us to take a moment and focus on our own mental well-being. There are many ways you can practice self-care that day or any other day - one way is by practicing gratitude. Consider what you're grateful for today and why; write it down or say it out loud.

You can make yourself feel happier by spending a few minutes each day thinking about what you’re grateful for. Write down or share on social media three things you’re grateful for every day. Maybe you’re thankful that your parents are still healthy, maybe you love and appreciate your life partner, or maybe your puppy makes you smile when they look at you with their beautiful eyes and cute face. Being grateful for these aspects of your life will help raise your mood and make you happier.

This may sound like a small or insignificant thing but it really does help your mood. It’s been proven that people who practice gratitude have a more positive outlook on life and are happier overall. Gratitude also makes us more optimistic about our lives in general, so it’s well worth setting aside time each day just to appreciate what you already have.

Tips for Practicing Self-Care

• Get out in nature. Studies show that spending time in nature is good for your mental health. • Unplug from social media. Social media is not a substitute for human interaction, and scrolling through your feed can make you feel worse about yourself and less connected with the world around you. • Spend time with friends and family. People who have strong relationships are less likely to experience depression or loneliness because they know they have people who love them unconditionally. • Give back to others.

According to John C. Norcross, PhD, professor at University of Scranton and expert on self-help programs, practicing self-care is good for your mental health because it reduces stress and allows you to get in touch with yourself. Self-care can reduce negative emotions, like anger or sadness; make you happier; improve your relationships with others; and give you a sense of control over your life.

Get out in nature. Studies show that spending time in nature is good for your mental health. This is due, in part, to how it helps you relax and boost your creativity. One study even found that a 30-minute walk in nature could help lower symptoms of depression and anxiety.

How to Get Involved in World Mental Health Day

Use the following steps to get involved in World Mental Health Day:

1) Educate yourself about mental health.

2) Check in with your own mental health.

3) Think about how you can help people who are struggling with mental illness.

4) Take care of yourself and practice self-care.

5) Donate money, time or resources on 10 October or throughout the year to organizations that work in the field of mental health.

6) Take action to end stigma.

7) Reach out if you need help. 8) Advocate for mental health care and services.

8) Learn more about mental health disorders and illnesses.

10) Share what you learn with others who may not know about mental illness.

11) Participate in a campaign that takes action against stigma, such as #EndStigma.

Additional Resources

World Mental Health Day is a day for people around the world to take time out of their day and think about mental health. It's a chance to celebrate how far we've come in terms of mental health awareness, while also acknowledging that there is still more work to be done. This year's theme focuses on Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.

This year there are some great ways you can participate.By making a difference in your community and raising awareness you can spread positive mental health messages. Here are some ways you can participate on October 10th.

Learn about mental health, you can use World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to learn more about mental health and your own mental wellbeing. It's important to know what's going on in your own mind. You can also find out more about how other people have coped with their mental health issues, or get tips and advice on how you might be able to start a conversation with someone else who might be suffering. Everyone's experience is different and that's what makes talking so important.