Feel Good Friday - Mental Health Month

[Amanda Barber]

May is Mental Health Month in the United States, while October is the International Mental Health Day/Month.

For today's Feel Good Friday, I'd love for you to share your mental health hacks, a positive story, a random act of kindness you performed or were the recipient of, or whatever brightens your mood!

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health, help is just a call or text away.

Helplines for all countries can be found here: https://findahelpline.com/

[Regan Smith]

Take a walk during lunch + take a meeting standing once a day! 🚶🌞

[Amanda Barber]

Walks are such a great reset - mentally and physically. Thanks for chiming in, @Regan Smith - Happy Friday!

[Benjamin]

Great Topic!

My usual go-to practices:

• Standing or sitting on the grass and practicing deep breathing
• Going for 1+ hour hike. Enjoy the nature's beauty.
• Go for a run
• Cleaning and Tidying
• Small random acts of kindness. Holding the door for someone. Help carry someone's basket or get a shopping cart for them.
• Smile in times where you don't feel like it. 

[Amanda Barber]

These are all fantastic tips. Being outside in nature is definitely a big one. Sometimes I even just work outside to feel the sun, breathe the fresh air, and listen to the birds!

Thanks for chiming in, @Benjamin - Happy Friday!

[Jimmy Seddon]

This is such a great call out @Amanda Barber!

This isn't something I have personally done, but I want to call out what my company has done.

"60 wolves around the globe participated in a Mental Health and Wellbeing training to become Well Wolf Ambassadors for Arctic Wolf. Upon completion of the training and a certification assessment, they are all equipped to serve as trusted employees who can listen and be a liaison for resources that the company offers."

While these are not professionals, they are volunteering their time to be someone who can listen and point you toward the professional services our company offers.

I think it's really cool that company time and resources has been put into such an important cause.

Happy Friday Everyone!

[Amanda Barber]

I LOVE this!! I agree - it's nice to see companies that elevate these resources.

[Kythera]

Infamously, I use Jira to help manage my ADHD.

But other than that, my furry sons are very good at reminding me to rest and take breaks. Sometimes they are VERY. INSISTENT. This was my point of view last night when it was well past the usual bedtime...

[Amanda Barber]

Pets are the best form of self-care, IMO! We've been missing having a cat around and our kids are on the way to convincing us it's time for another one after losing Leela last fall. 😻

[Kythera]

Awww, I'm so sorry to hear you lost your Leela last fall. When it's time for a new furbaby, y'all will know. Or the Cat Distribution System will kick in and do what it does best. 😸

[John Funk]

Agreed - get outside and take a walk or just sit and enjoy the sunshine. Go visit someone you haven't seen in a while who is close by. And for me, it's time in prayer and reading the Bible and meditation on the Word. 

[Amanda Barber]

Thanks for chiming in, @John Funk! Those are all great ways to reset and refocus.  

[Barbara Szczesniak]

Great topic, @Amanda Barber! 

I've had a few good friends over the years who have gone through a difficult time. I have said to them, "If you want to talk, I am willing to listen, and I promise not to offer any advice or opinion." They seem to appreciate having someone truly listen to what they are going through. This is also good for me, since I feel like I'm helping without worrying that I might say the wrong thing.

[Amanda Barber]

Good point! I often like to start a conversation with my kids by checking if they want advice or just want someone to listen. It gets us both in the right headspace! You're right though - while I find it hard not to offer advice, at least then I don't need to worry about if I said the right thing!

[Kit Friend]

Always exercise for me! A walk is decent but the endorphin release and forced break from something that properly exerts you can’t be beat. 

[Amanda Barber]

YES! I feel off if I don't get a good workout in. I think it really helps keep my mental health in a decent place - between the good brain chemicals and connections with acquaintances at the gym, a good workout really can't be beat!

[Susan Waldrip]

Love this topic, @Amanda Barber ! Getting out at lunchtime or in the morning before starting my day always helps me get grounded for what's next. Also sitting with eyes closed for about 5 minutes and just listening and identifying all the sounds I hear relaxes me and/or helps me calm down.

[Amanda Barber]

Sounds perfect! I love the Balance app for quick meditations to get grounded if I need some guidance.

Thanks for chiming in, @Susan Waldrip 💜

[Shawn Doyle - ReleaseTEAM]

When I need a break I find something that amuses me and I laugh for a while.

[Amanda Barber]

Laughter IS the best medicine! :-D

[Daria Kulikova_GitProtect_io]

Great topic @Amanda Barber , 

For me, jogging outdoors has been the best option to clear my head and be mentally healthy. So, usually if I have a bad day, I just go jogging :)