Article Courtesy of Teladoc Health
Michigan moms often feel very stressed at this time of year, juggling caregiving, work, spring sports and end-of-school-year chaos during ‘Maycember’, a new term coined because it feels just as busy as December. May is also both Mental Health Awareness Month and Women’s Health Month, so it’s the perfect time to talk about protecting mental health and managing stress.
Teladoc Health, the largest telehealth provider in the US, has some tips to help you prioritize your mental well-being this month and all year round.
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- Give Yourself Permission to Rest- Making time for rest isn’t selfish, it is necessary. Rest helps prevent burnout and supports your emotional resilience.
- Learn to Say “No”- Saying “no” when you’re overwhelmed is an act of self-care, not guilt. Setting boundaries is key to protecting your time, energy, and mental health.
- Practice the “3 Ms” for Self-Care- Move your body (even a 10-minute walk outside can improve your mood), meditate (even for just a few minutes), and make time for hobbies that spark joy.
- Schedule worry time to retrain your brain– Studies show that chronic stress can actually shrink your brain. Instead take 15 minutes a day to allow yourself to stress, then stop. It retrains your brain to contain anxiety.
- Set Clear Boundaries – Communicate your limits with kindness. Whether it’s work, social commitments, or family obligations, setting clear expectations protects your peace of mind.
- Dance it out! – put on some music and get your heart pumping; it will relieve stress and hopefully release some endorphins too to help put a smile on your face
- Take a Closer Look at Your Diet – some brain-boosting foods, such as walnuts and flax seeds, can help boost your mood and keep you energized during a busy day
- Give Yourself a Pat on the Back! – Taking pride in reaching your goals will make you happier and will also release dopamine and serotonin. And surviving Maycember certainly deserves that self-recognition!
One in four Americans now has access Teladoc Health’s services through their employer or health plan, and those who aren’t eligible through insurance can still access services at a flat rate per visit, without surprising fees or costs. Teladoc Health also provides mental health services with licensed therapists for when managing stress needs some professional expertise. For more information, go to teladochealth.com