American Legend’s Tips for Getting and Staying Mentally Healthy!

Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. The purpose of spotlighting mental health this month is to raise awareness of mental health issues and screening, and spotlight ways to improve our emotional and mental well-being throughout the year.

According to Mental Health America, “when you’re mentally healthy, you are able to enjoy your life and the people in it, feel good about yourself, keep up good relationships and deal with stress. It’s normal for your mental health to shift over time – we all face difficult situations in our lives. Creating positive habits is a great way to support your mental health when you’re doing well and helps you build skills to use if you do face symptoms of a mental health condition.”

So how do you build the skills that will help you stay mentally healthy, even when life throws you a curveball? Here are a few suggestions from American Legend Homes:

Connect with family, friends and your American Legend neighbors: All of us need to connect with others; it helps us feel supported and valued. It also has health benefits. If you are looking to make connections close to home, start a neighborhood book club or make muffins for a new neighbor. Several of our communities have well-established groups; the Castle Hills community, for example, has tennis groups and kids’ play groups. If your neighborhood doesn’t have one, start one!

Get moving: Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health, it’s good for your mental health, as well. It has been proven to decrease stress and tension as well as reduce depression and anxiety. Most American Legend communities offer opportunities to get moving right in the neighborhood. M3 Ranch has miles and miles of nature trails. Star Trail has lighted tennis courts and a trail system. The Grove Frisco has a state-of-the-art fitness center. And The Tribute has cushioned walking trails, a kayak/canoe launch and pickle ball courts!

Help others: Studies have shown that those who help others
“experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains and better health. They may even live longer.” Helping others also increases opportunities to connect with others, offers a sense of life purpose, helps us feel needed and also often reminds us how lucky we really are. If you are looking for opportunities on your community help, try Volunteer Now, a one-stop shop for volunteer opportunities in DFW.  

Get support if you need it: If you are worried that you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, Mental Health America offers a number of quick and easy online screenings here for issues such as stress, anxiety and addiction. It even offers screening tools for parents and teens. It’s simply a great source of information and a place to start.

We wish all of our American Legend families the best when it comes to both physical and emotional well-being. Take care of yourselves this Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond!