Ms. Sterns' Mental Health Challenge 

Sometimes when we feel like life is just too hard and too complicated, it’s helpful to focus on what we can actually do.   I have studied mental health and I believe there are 5 really important things that we can do everyday to significantly improve our mood, energy levels, ability to focus and our overall mental health and well-being.  I challenge you to do these five little things every day. 

• Show Gratitude
  • Expressing gratitude can improve your mood and make you more optimistic.  People who regularly express gratitude for the positive things in their life are shown to be happier overall, leading to lower rates of stress and depression
• Spread Kindness
  • Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing by improving your mood, self-esteem and happiness.
• Show Kindness to Yourself
  • Positive self-talk makes you feel good about yourself, helps reduce stress, and boosts confidence and resilience. What you do and think and say every day – determines how happy you are!
• Get Some Exercise
  • Research on depression, anxiety and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
• Take “Me” Time
  • Self-care is about anything that makes you feel good including relaxation, laughing, having fun, finding joy, etc.