As the new year is in full force, you may be swept up in the chaos of work or personal life. Things that we enjoy can often slip us by if we’re too stressed to notice them. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and with that month upon us, it’s important to look for the things that make us happy, such as:
Practicing Self Care
Practicing self care is one of the best ways to make sure you’re happy and stay happy. Often times, 
we become overwhelmed with negativities in our life and it’s important to take care of ourselves when we feel that pressure. A few ways you can practice self care is by taking a hot bath or shower, watching your favorite show or movie, going on a long walk, and getting a little extra sleep. However, these aren’t the only ways and self care varies from person to person based on individual needs.
Socializing within Comfort Limits
Extremes on either end of socializing can be damaging to our overall well-being. If you don’t socialize enough you may feel isolated and alone; conversely, you could feel burnout or exhaustion if you socialize too much. This varies from person-to-person and impacts us all on an individual level. If you feel like you’re isolated—call a friend! Even just talking on the phone can ease a sense of loneliness. If you find yourself exhausted every time you make plans with someone, you may need to take some time for yourself.
Treating Yourself
This one is easily a favorite way to create happiness. Who doesn’t like retail therapy from time to time? It’s important that we reward ourselves for the things we do well. Whether you buy a new
item of clothing or take yourself out to lunch—it’s important that your accomplishments don’t go unnoticed. Feel free to reward yourself from time to time. The best person to acknowledge your success is yourself.
Allow Decompression Time Throughout the Day
We can all get wound up at work or at home depending on our circumstances so it’s important to give ourselves time to decompress from the stressors of everyday life. Whether it be a relaxing lunch break, meditating, or staying up a little bit later to have time for yourself, it’s crucial to your overall happiness to make time for yourself.
Give Back to Those Around You
Nothing will fill your heart more than giving to those in need. The ability to help others is one of the best parts about being a human and it’s necessary that we act upon that gift. Try volunteering at your local animal shelter or sign up to serve a meal to the homeless. Not only will you be helping someone else, but you’ll get that warm, fuzzy, feeling inside that reminds you of all the good in the world.
While Mental Health Awareness Month may only last a month, we urge you to continue your search for self care every day. Becoming happy can be a long process, and it’s not always linear but, you will notice an improvement if you try your best to find good in everything you do.
