May is Mental Health Month

Boost your mental health with these tips from our Neurodiversity Affirming Therapists in Bethesda, MD

Reading this in a month other than May? Click here to download “My Mental Health Month,” to use during any month of the year.

31 Neurodiversity Affirming Ideas for Celebrating Mental Health Month in May

1. Do whatever you want for at least 30 minutes.

2. Repeat “I am enough” 10 times.

3. Connect with your inner child and PLAY.

4. Reflect on what brings you healing.

5. Rest.

6. Make an empowering playlist.

7. Say something kind and comforting to yourself.

8. Think of something you’re struggling with and show yourself compassion.

Mindful grounding strategies for kids, teens, adults, and families

1. Connect with your environment. Notice the light around you.

2. Use all 5 senses to enjoy a treat.

3. Try metta meditation or walking meditation.

4. Sit in stillness while you take 3 deep breaths.

5. Practice gratitude. Name 5 things you are thankful for.

6. Name 2 places where you feel safe.

7. Declutter your space to create clarity.

Multisensory or sensory friendly strategies: perfect for autistic, ADHD, or neurospicy kids, teens and adults

1. Try 3 yoga poses.

2. Curl up with a blanket or a soft stuffed animal.

3. Stretch.

4. Listen to the sound of a flowing stream or falling rain.

5. Color a mandala.

6. Move your body for 20 minutes in any way you choose.

Strategies to connect to one another

1. No phone zone. Hang out without technology for 1 hour.

2. Tell someone 3 things you love about them.

3. Pray or meditate together.

4. Listen with an open heart.

5. Hug someone you care about (ask first).

6. Play with someone you care about for 30 minutes.

7. Tell your family about something funny. Or act it out for them.

8. Play a game together.

9. Ask for help.

   Now circle the things on this list that helped you the most. Try them once a week and watch your mental health grow!

If you’d like more support to discover your mentally healthy self, our therapists are here to help. View our neurodiversity affirming counseling and therapy services here to get started.

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