May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: The Power of Routines
Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 adults experience mental health barriers in a given year (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023, para. 3)? This alarming statistic underscores the importance of awareness, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month this May. For individuals dealing with executive function challenges, disabilities, or medical conditions, embracing simple routines and healthy habits can be transformative their for mental wellness. In this blog post, we’ll explore how incorporating structured routines can alleviate stress and enhance mental health, offering practical strategies for students, parents, and anyone looking to prioritize their wellbeing. Let’s delve into the significance of mental health, the effect of routines, and how everyone can benefit this May by following our mental health calendar!
Understanding Mental Health and Executive Function Challenges
Mental health plays a pivotal role in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It affects our ability to manage stress and build relationships. May celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder of the unique challenges faced by individuals with mental health barriers, medical conditions, disabilities or temporary executive function issues.
The Role of Routines in Mental Health
Mental health providers can support in developing a care plan for how to manage barriers related to mental health. However, working with an executive function or ADHD coach can create consistency in day-to-day activities can significantly impact mental health. Here are vital reasons routines enhance wellbeing:
Stability and Predictability: A regular routine provides a stable environment, which can mitigate anxiety and mood fluctuations. Students, especially during exams, benefit from having predictable schedules. Parents can benefit from planning meals. Employees can benefit from time blocking their calendars to create a predictable day (especially one with mental health breaks!)
Enhanced Time Management: Managing academics, work, and personal life can be tough. Routines cultivate better time management skills, making it easier to accomplish tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
Healthy Habits Establishment: Creating routines helps integrate healthy habits: prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and physical exercise, all of which contribute to better clarity and emotional stability.
Reduction of Decision Fatigue: A structured daily schedule reduces the number of decisions, allowing individuals to focus their mental resources on what really matters.
Strategies for Developing Effective Routines
Creating effective routines involves intentional practices:
Assess Your Current Routine: Document your weekly activities to identify beneficial and obstructive patterns. For example, a beneficial routine might be morning journaling whereas an obstructive routine may be scrolling on your phone for the first hour when you wake up.
Set Achievable Goals: Start small; introduce a single, keystone habit, like a morning stretch, and gradually expand. Once you’ve established the habit of stretching, you can stack small habits on top of it, such as a walk, meditation, or reading
Consistency Over Time: Implementing routines at the same time daily solidifies them into your life. We call this a time cue, or an activity specifically cued by a block of time.
Engage Others: Involve friends and family for motivation and accountability. Group study sessions, meetings spent body doubling or coworking, or joint meals can foster collaboration.
Reflect and Adapt: Periodically review your routines and make adjustments as life changes to ensure you’re still on track to meet your goals.
The Impact of Coaching on Mental Health
While routines serve as a foundation for mental health, personalized coaching can amplify their effects:
Tailored Strategies: Coaches customize approaches to fit individual needs, addressing specific executive function difficulties.
Motivational Support: Coaches provide encouragement and accountability, pushing individuals toward their goals and fostering resilience.
Skill Development: Coaches equip clients with the necessary skills for time, organization, and task management, which enhance mental health over time.
Prioritizing Mental Health This May
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it’s crucial to prioritize wellbeing intentionally. Reflect on your mental health practices, reach out for assistance if needed, and cultivate a supportive environment within your family. You can follow this mental health calendar this May to ensure you are accountable and prioritizing rest and recharge this month!
A May calendar with a different mental health centered activity each day
Final Reflections
May reminds us that maintaining good mental health is a journey, especially for those facing executive function challenges. By fostering a routine and healthy lifestyle, you nurture an arena where mental wellness can thrive. Embrace the changes you can make, starting small and consistently refining your practices.
Take time this May to recharge and invest in your mental health. Make mental health a priority!
Disclaimer: If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional. There are many resources available to help.
Here are some options for seeking help:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth).
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
In case of an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Taking care of your mental health is important. Please don't hesitate to seek support when you need it.
References:
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Mental health by the numbers. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
