May is Mental Health Month. This designation was first launched by Mental Health America as Mental Health Week, then changed to Mental Health Month in 1949. The first week of May is Children’s Mental Health Week.

The theme for May 2014 is “Mind Your Health.” This year’s focus is on creating a motivational effort that will put forward the goal of building public recognition in regards to the importance of mental health to the overall health and wellness of those around us. Mental Health America hopes to inform people of the connection between mind and body and encourage people to take positive action and protective measures for their own mental and whole body health.

Pointers from the NAMI FaithNet and Mental Health America websites include:

* Get enough sleep; people who do are more likely to succeed at daily tasks.

* Laugh at life’s hassles; it can lower stress and foster optimism.

* Try new things; it can open your mind to making bigger lifestyle changes. Watch a funny movie or website; laughter can decrease pain and reduce anxiety.

* Focus on positives in your life; those who do are less upset by difficult memories.

* Help someone else; research shows that those who consistently help others experience less depression and better health.

* Exercise; it can increase the flow of blood to the brain, stimulate “feel good” hormones, reduce stress.

* Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and good fats to help boost your mood and immune system. Eat omega-3 foods: salmon, walnuts, flax seeds for decreased rates of depression.

* Take small breaks each day to help clear your head and improve your ability to deal with stress.

* Form good relationships; they are essential to happiness.

* Maintain perspective; don’t be an all-or-nothing thinker; learn from mistakes to think positively.