May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it&rsquo;s the perfect time to make a fresh start when it comes to caring for your mental well-being. 
One important aspect of mental health awareness is remembering to do something nice for yourself. We are all busy, managing through difficult circumstances, being pulled in different directions, and taking care of the needs of others. The mental toll of all this &ldquo;doing&rdquo; can add up. It&rsquo;s a heavy weight that needs to be lifted from time to time. 
 
Here are some ideas to help you show a little love &ndash; to yourself:
<ol>
 <li>Ask for help or delegate responsibilities at home. Those daily chores and errands don&rsquo;t have to be yours alone.</li>
 <li>Phone a friend. Stay connected to the important people in your life.</li>
 <li>Go for a stroll or take a <a href="https://library.azblue.com/story/7f3dd5c9-183e-4132-a89b-d120748744d0" target="_blank">big stretch</a> instead of scrolling through social media.</li>
 <li>Take time to unwind before bed. Read a book, meditate, stretch, or work a crossword puzzle.</li>
 <li>Schedule a mental health checkup. <a href="https://www.azblue.com/individualsandfamilies/find-a-doctor">Find a provider</a> (psychiatrist, psychologist, behavioral therapist, or counselor) to get started. </li>
</ol>
Ready to think bigger? If you want to make some lasting changes to improve your mental health for the long term, consider these well-being boosters: 
Creativity. Satisfy your artistic side. Is it music, art, movement, language, writing? Pick up an instrument, set up an art table or craft corner, take a virtual dance class, download that new language app, or start the novel (or journal) you&rsquo;ve been thinking about. 
Get outside.&nbsp;Whether your idea of the great outdoors is floating in the pool or going for a hike, make a regular dose of sunshine and fresh air a healthy new habit. &nbsp;
Exercise. Move your body to lift your mood, and do it safely. Resources abound for virtual classes, remote coaching, and online programs. <a href="https://www.verywellfit.com/best-online-exercise-classes-4163381">Tap in to technology</a> and try something new!
Talk it out. Schedule a session with a counselor to address any mental health concerns, or as a preventive measure to build awareness and improve resiliency. Mental health care should be scheduled just like an annual physical, or vision or dental checkup &ndash; make it a part of your overall wellness strategy. <a href="https://www.azblue.com/individualsandfamilies/find-a-doctor">Find a provider</a> (psychiatrist, psychologist, behavioral therapist, or counselor) to take the first step.
Two go-tos for mental health support:
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
 <li>BCBSAZ&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.mobilizeaz.com/mental-health/">Mobilize AZ website</a> has fast facts, coping strategies, and mind fitness tips. </li>
 <li>The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) has outlined healthy ways to cope with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. And our Mobilize AZ website has a page dedicated to <a href="https://www.mobilizeaz.com/resources/navigating-life-and-covid-19/">Navigating Life &amp; COVID-19</a> &ndash; check it out!</li>
</ul>

Do something nice for yourself!