BE Healthy

This month let’s make mental health our focus!

(1) HOROSCOPES: In honor of Chinese New Year (on 2/12/21) I would like to suggest that horoscopes are good for your mental health. Now, I am only a very casual believer, but sometimes when I read my horoscope I feel comforted, hopeful, and even inspired! Occasionally, the predictions seem to specifically address issues that I am personally dealing with. Hmmm…coincidence? Probably. “Science”? Maybe 🤷‍♀️. Regardless, any messages including horoscopes that can motivate me, encourage contemplation, or simply make me smile are definitely contributing positively to my mental state. So, this year why not celebrate Chinese New Year with your family! Ask everyone to wear red; order some delicious Chinese take out for dinner; visit an astrology site and read everyone’s 2021 horoscope; and top it off with some personalized, chocolate dipped fortune cookies like THESE . Be open to horoscopes and maybe, just maybe, they’ll boost your spirits!

(2) VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING: From the comfort of your couch, you can brighten a stranger’s day and by doing so fill up your mental health love tank! In honor of February being the month when we celebrate both World Cancer Day (on 2/4) and Valentine’s Day (2/14), I went on a search for some ways I could help cancer patients and spread love. I found two volunteer opportunities and contributing made me feel terrific! The first was writing a few virtual Valentine’s Day cards for St. Jude’s patients. I LOVE St. Jude’s and in about 10 minutes I was able to send these kids, who are so bravely fighting for their lives, just a little love and encouragement. Next I found a volunteer opportunity that involved me writing Valentine’s Day cards to hospice patients at a hospital in Texas. A few clicks on Amazon to order a pack of cards followed by about 30 minutes of writing brief letters and… VOILA, I’ve done a good deed and feel great! Research shows that doing nice things for others has a dramatic positive effect on our psyche so please consider taking some time to volunteer this month! (St Jude's Link and link to Volunteer Match ,where I found the hospice opportunity.)

(3) FIND MEANING: Viktor Frankl (who I reference again in BE Loved) was an author, Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Philosopher, and Holocaust survivor who I very much admire. He once said, “The quest for meaning is the key to mental health and human flourishing.” And, “When a man cannot find meaning, he numbs himself with pleasure.” Finding meaning in life is complicated because, in my opinion, it’s something we constantly have to readdress as we go through life. Maybe we found meaning through sports when we were young; then later as a parent or via our career; then as an empty-nester through our volunteer work or hobbies. Our life’s meaning must evolve as we age and we have to be careful that while we are so busy with LIFE itself, we don’t ever stop searching for meaning. I find the second quote, in particular, so poignant and powerful. When life lacks meaning, mental health suffers. Think about it…without meaning it’s easy to imagine falling prey to addiction or unhealthy behaviors to attain pleasure. So, make finding and sustaining true meaning something you focus on now and always if you want your mental health to thrive! {P.S. Read BE in Flow from last month for more on this topic!}