One of the best things you can do to help establish better mental health is to make it a habit to celebrate the little things in life. Not every day is going to be a good day, but that doesn’t mean that there is not some good in every day worth celebrating if you know where to look for it. Many people feel like they have to wait for the next big achievement or major holiday to have a reason to celebrate. This is simply not the case. Consider looking into the small events and national observances that happen every month and taking the time to acknowledge them. This can not only boost your gratitude and overall mental health but can combat symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many things are coming up this July that is well worth celebrating.
Celebrating July 1ST (National Joke Day)
Sometimes, a good joke is all you need to brighten up someone’s day. Even corny jokes will work. Laughter is truly one of the best medicines for good mental health, and a joke can benefit not only the person you tell it to but your own mood. Take a moment or two to reach out to a friend today and share a joke, whether it be in person, over the phone, or through text message.
Celebrating July 4TH (Independence Day)
The 4th of July is such an important day for the United States as it is meant to honor all that our great nation stands for, our freedom, and the sacrifices that have gone into establishing the country as we know it today. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate this holiday, consider visiting a local cemetery dedicated to the lives lost in war, hosting or attending a bonfire with your loved ones, going to a local parade, or spending some time outside in nature, away from the distractions of day to day life. Remember that you don’t have to spend a ton of money purchasing fireworks of your own. Ask around town to find out where the best free show is!
Celebrating July 10TH (National Kitten Day)
Do you live alone or ever struggle with loneliness? Perhaps you can benefit from the companionship that comes from a pet. Research shows that in some cases, animals can actually reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health. If you are in the situation and have the means to adopt a new cat into your family this year, consider taking a trip to your local animal shelter and looking into adoption or serving as a foster parent for a pet in need. If you’re not in the position to bring a new pet into your home, consider doing some volunteer work. Many shelters are bursting at the seem and desperate for volunteers to help out.
Celebrating July 11TH (Cheer up the Lonely Day)
July 11th is an observance you may not have heard of before called “Cheer up the Lonely Day.” Consider who you know in life that could be lonely. It could be an elderly neighbor who lives alone, a coworker who typically eats lunch by themselves, or the quiet kid at school who rarely speaks up in class. A smile or a simple “hello, how are you doing?” can make a huge difference in a person’s day. You may also consider looking into volunteering at a local nursing home. Many people within these facilities do not have family members who visit them regularly, and they may live in a constant state of loneliness.
Celebrating July 27TH (National Love Is Kind Day)
July 27th is National Love is Kind Day, a day to recognize freedom from domestic abuse. Domestic abuse, unfortunately, affects many people of all ages across the nation. This is the day to celebrate victims of domestic abuse and the bravery it took for them to seek help and get out of their situation. It is also a day to give a voice to those who are currently suffering, spread awareness about the dangers of domestic abuse, and acknowledge that true love is kind and not violent. You may consider using social media to spread awareness about domestic abuse on this day, volunteering for a domestic abuse prevention organization, or donating to a charity that helps protect and take care of victims of domestic abuse. If you know someone in your life you suspect is in a domestic abuse situation, reach out to them and offer your support. This is an issue that happens far more frequently than you may realize.
It is so important to celebrate the little things in life. This involves not waiting for the big commercial holidays for an excuse to celebrate but taking the time to recognize the smaller observances that occur each and every month. This can help foster gratitude, give you something to look forward to, and help to foster better overall mental health. Remember that while every day may not necessarily be a good day, there are still things worth celebrating in it. During the month of July, take the time to celebrate things like National Joke Day, Independence Day, and National Love is Kind Day. They might not be the holidays that everybody talks about; they can still make a difference and may even boost your mental health. At Achieve Concierge, we want you to achieve your best possible mental health. Call (619) 393-5871 today to learn more.