Throughout the month of September, schools, businesses, and celebrities celebrated mental health awareness month, but is 30 days enough to spread education and advice on such a prominent and complex issue? Every month should be mental health awareness month, so here are my favorite three ways to keep your mind powerful and boosted for the rest of the year.

Join new extracurricular activities in or out of school

Although Covid took a major swing at normal social connection for nearly every human being, clubs, jobs, and sports are opening up rapidly, and it’s about time. These jumps into new environments can be full of anxiety, but making new jumps keeps our brains active. Joining activities that you enjoy or hold a deep interest in also connects you to others that have those same passions. According to the BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, there are “few things that can beat the stress-busting, mood-boosting power of quality face-to-face time with other people those you love and people who energize you.” 

Creating your favorite playlists for brand new motivation

For some readers, during most days of the week, it can be quite challenging to find the motivation to complete the most basic chores of the day, like brushing your teeth, making your bed, or even finding the strength to get out of bed. Creating playlists full of your favorite songs that fill you with energy, motivation and good vibes can make these parts of your day a little less stressful and overwhelming. Instead, your focus can be on your favorite lyrics while you take care of your physical and mental needs.

Invest in a new night routine

Even when specialized doctors tell you that getting a good night’s rest is the most important aspect of your mental health, most teens and adults still find themselves scrolling through tik tok or twitter until the late hours of the night, which turn mornings into battles with themselves and the alarm clock. Giving yourself time to do your skincare routine, read a book, or listen to that new playlist you made for your night time chores keeps you off your phone, and on top of your sleep schedule and in bed early!