Mental Health Awareness Week, May 11–17, is dedicated to opening conversations around mental health and reminding people to prioritize their emotional well-being just as much as their physical health. The week serves as a chance to slow down, check in with ourselves, and recognize the importance of caring for our minds through both big and small habits. In a world that constantly asks us to keep moving, Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that rest, reflection, and support are just as important as productivity.

Self care doesn’t always have to mean completely changing your life overnight. Sometimes it’s as simple as nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good, taking a quiet moment alone, going for a walk in the sunshine, or ending the night with your favorite sweet treat. Try one or all of the below as you show your self a bit of love this week.

How to Practice Self Care for Mental Health Awareness Week

Change Up What You Eat

While it’s so easy to lean towards fried and greasy comfort food as a way of self care, your body and your mind will thank you for eating something better. Our 15 Antidepressant Food Recipes take you through all the ingredients that can benefit your body and mind.

A dish like Salmon Poke with Yuzu also provides you with EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3s in salmon which can lower levels of depression.

Another recipe like Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Balsamic Onion Galette gives you the best of all worlds with doses of folate, vitamin C, and antioxidants, all important for neurotransmitter production.

Take Time to Pamper Yourself

The key of Mental Health Awareness Week is to encourage ourselves to think more deeply about how we feel and acknowledge those emotions. One of the best ways to do this is to be one with yourself. Take time to be with yourself, alone, and get to know how you think a little better.

Our Self Care Rituals give you four different ways to connect deeper and reflect on your inner self. A routine check-in with a list of questions encourages you to confront how you’re feeling. A Self-Love Facial Steam is a comforting way to end the day with lavender and rose petals relaxing your thoughts.

Get Out and Active!

We’re sure you’ve heard it before but it is the truth: exercise and fresh air make you feel better inside and out. If you’re looking for support in starting a fitness journey or just simply looking for a new group of friends to walk the city with, Pittsburgh has plenty of running and walking clubs ready to join. Whether you’re looking for a group of girly-pops or somewhere to start becoming a runner, there’s a club for you.

But, if you prefer to explore in solitude and enjoy the quiet away from the chaos of life, Pittsburgh’s trails are perfect for spotting spring flowers. There’s something about seeing a pop of color in the bushes or the green of the trees that instantly calms you to your bones. Plus if you’re especially a flower lover, there are places in the city you can take yourself on a date to pick-your-own flowers. Make yourself a bouquet to remind yourself how beautiful and deserving of love you are.

And, if you simply need an escape from it all, spend this weekend on a short trip away from Pittsburgh. All these trips are under three hours away and immerse you in the woods, beaches, and spa resorts. Those in need of a massage or looking for a view that’s endlessly memorable will find that a weekend trip is just what the doctor ordered.

When in Doubt… ICE CREAM

Okay, we know what we said earlier about eating better for your mind and body, but ice cream gets a pass. This creamy, sweet, cooling treat brings us back to our childhood. Not to mention it’s the ultimate dessert for when you’re in your feels. Thankfully, Pittsburgh has plenty of contenders for some of the best homemade ice cream.

If you do nothing else on this list, we encourage you to at least get yourself a dish, cone, or pint of ice cream, turn on your favorite movie, podcast, or album, and let your mind take a rest from the chaos of daily life.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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