Remember when we could be gather? Now its time to get creative with our health + well being. Photo via The Pizitz Instagram

Were half way through the year and boy has it been a doozy. Between a global pandemic and important social movements its important to take some time for yourselfespecially your mental health. With the advice of local wellness advocacy groups and nonprofits in Birmingham, here are some tips to help improve your mental health.

Disclaimer: This article does not serve as professional medical advice. Seek advice of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health whether it be physical or mental.

As a 20-something gal taking life day by day, theres only so much advice I can give you, so I reached out to the following groups and non-profits for advice. Heres a look at who they are and how they serve the Birmingham community.

Yes, I Have a Therapist is a wellness advocacy group for women of color that promotes healthy wellness practices by providing local and national resources. Their mission is to dismantle harmful mental health stigmas by hosting conversations and creating a safe space for women of color.

Integrative Health Services takes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit. They assist couples, families, teens and individuals who struggle with mental health. The integrative approach means they can work with your primary physician, psychiatrist or other health professionals.

A Friend of Mind is a nonprofit organization that helps youth accept and manage their mental illnesses and eliminate mental health stigmas. They offer creative solutions to challenges by using culturally-tailored and targeted outreach programs, training and advocacy.

In celebration of Minority Mental Health Month, A Friend of Mind will be hosting free yoga classes at Veterans Park. The class is for people of color only and will be socially distant. Here are the deets:

You may recognize Emilie as one of the collaborators for The Fearless Om. As a nutritional wellness coach and yogi, her mission is to help you create a more balanced life. By following a refined approach to everyday lifethrough food, movement, mindfulness and living in accordance with the seasonswe can claim the grounded, rich lives we crave.

For many of us, our social media channels are our source of news. It can be a blessing and a curse. For me personally, its a battle between staying informed and taking some time to step away. Im sure many of yall can relate.

If you find your social media channels giving you more stress rather than serving as a productive outlet, put your phone down! Turn off your notifications, set phone-free zones in your living space and set aside days where you dont even get on social media. Its okay to disconnect every once in a while.

When youre in a funk, pause and honestly ask yourself what do I need right now? Answers may look like, I need to connect with a good friend or I need to move my body or I need a little quiet time. Asking this question pulls you into the present moment and stops the mental loop that happens when were in a funk.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but theres a strong connection between spending time in nature and reducing stress or anxiety.

If you cant make it outside, bring nature indoors. This may seem weird, but I often find myself listening to rain sounds on loop. Why? Its soothing and sometimes songs with lyrics can be distracting.

Birmingham has so many great spots to help you recharge. My favorites are a great hike at Ruffner Mountain, a healing yoga class at Villager Yoga, or a long bike ride through Highland Park!

If youre looking for new spots to enjoy some time in nature, check out this article on 19 hidden trails in Birmingham and how exploring them can boost your mental health.

It always helps to have someone to talk to. Were social creatures, after all. While many of us never thought wed be stuck in social isolation, here we are in 2020 and its actually encouraged to remove ourselves from crowds.

Now its time to get creative when cultivating our sense of community. Find online groups that interest you and make you feel welcome. Join them and dive head-first into the conversation. Its beneficial to have a place where you can share, listen and learn.

For example, by writing this article, I found Yes, I Have a Therapist. As a woman of color, this group covers topics relevant to my well-being. Heres what they had to say:

We believe heavily in persons having a support team, people who you feel are on your side. It does not mean that they will call or text every day, but they will do things to check on you.

No surprise here. Exercise equals endorphins, and those feel-good endorphins send a happy hit to the brain to enhance your sense of well-being.

According to the Mayo Clinic, doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week improves depression and anxiety symptoms.

Getting started is the hard part. At the beginning of quarantine, I found a workout I enjoyed and stuck with it. Set reasonable goals and dont be hard on yourself. Its okay to have a lazy day.

Remember to acknowledge any uncomfortable feelings you may be having. Its okay to struggle. By accepting uncomfortable emotions youre allowing yourself permission to work through them.

Having a hobby is a great way to unwind and serves as an outlet for stress. It always helps having something to look forward to after a days work.

Do something that you love to do. Some people like to go on a drive when theyre in a funk. Some people like to cook, dance, bake. Whatever it is that gives you pleasure when youre not in a funk, do that.

For example, Ive been dabbling in gardening and learning Italian for when its time to pack my bags and move to a vineyard in Italy. I dont know when that time will come, but Ill be ready!

We look at [meditation] as a way of controlling our emotions, feelings and thoughts by simply controlling our breaths. Its a good way to decompress and try to let go of that day.

Not sure where to start? Emilie Maynor suggests writing or thinking of three things youre grateful for and take three deep breaths before starting the day. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer short, guided meditations accessible to anyone.

Heres one of Maynors videos that is great for beginners wanting to learn meditation and/or breathing exercises.

Laughing really is the best medicine. Its free and doesnt require a prescription. While its not a cure-all for anxiety or stress, you cant beat a good ole belly laugh. Amidst a pandemic and advocating for racial equality, we could all benefit from some humor in our lives.

We find things daily to laugh aboutmemes, Tik Tok videos, our favorite comedians. Laughter makes us feel light and joy.

If youre looking for a laugh in Birmingham, check out this article highlighting seven locals and events who will brighten your day.

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