| 5 Day Mental Health Challenge |
| With millions of Americans experiencing increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, self-care and mental health awareness are more important now than ever. With that said, knowing how to best take care of yourself isn’t always easy, especially when time, energy, and resources are lacking (or non-existent). So, instead of letting your mental health challenge you, we’re helping you challenge those emotions and take back control. How you ask? With a 5 Day Mental Wellness Challenge! Because who doesn’t love a challenge? |
| Day #1: Make a Nutrient-Dense Breakfast (In 5-Minutes or Less) |
| Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast could help improve your mental health. In fact, fueling your body with a healthy breakfast meal has been demonstrated to promote a healthier lifestyle! |
| So start your day with a mood-boosting breakfast! To save time and stress, prepare it the night before, such as overnight oats or chia seed pudding. |
| Day #2: Declutter One Drawer in Your House |
| Think about how you feel when your space is clean and orderly. Less stressed, perhaps? More in control? There’s a reason you’re feeling this way! According to study, a cluttered, chaotic atmosphere can result in a scattered and distracted mind, as well as emotions of anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. |
| Day #3: Do a (Five-Minute) Meditation |
| Even on the busiest of days, everyone has five minutes to spare! A five-minute meditation can help you improve your mental health and reduce stress. Yes, a few minutes are all you need! According to studies, even five minutes of meditation can lower tension and anxiety while also improving self-esteem. |
| Day #4: Take Your Morning Coffee Outdoors |
| Exposure to sunshine early thing in the morning can help regulate your circadian cycle, improve your mood, and enhance your vitality. Make this the first thing you do before picking up your phone or glancing at your electronics! Take your coffee outside and enjoy it with a side of Vitamin D! As part of today’s mental health challenge, set your alarm five minutes earlier and enjoy your first cup of coffee in the early sunshine. Sunlight has been demonstrated to enhance serotonin, also known as “the happy hormone.” |
| Day #5: Unfollow Negative Social Media Accounts |
| What begins as a simple stroll through social media may quickly devolve into a black hole of comparison, self-judgment, and low self-esteem. At worst, the highlight reel on social media can trigger anxiety and sadness. Use this mental health challenge to unfollow any accounts that make you feel less than you deserve. |
Anna Godfrey 