January is Mental Wellness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting overall well-being. For families, this presents a unique opportunity to come together and prioritize well-being and healing. For families, this can be a powerful time to focus on open communication, connection, and creating a supportive environment for mental health at home and in relationships. Here are ten ways families can observe this special month.
- Start with Open Conversations: The foundation of a mentally healthy family begins with open communication. Parents use Mental Wellness Month as a reason to take the time to initiate conversations about mental health with children and teens. Discuss feelings, emotions, and the importance of taking care of one’s mental well-being. Encourage each family member to express themselves without judgment, creating a safe space for vulnerability.
- Create a Mental Wellness Plan: Work together to create a family mental wellness plan. You might include strategies for managing stress, creating reminders to have positive communication, and supporting each other through challenges. Discuss coping mechanisms, identify the things that cause stress, and make a plan for seeking professional help if needed. A shared vision for the future reinforces a collective commitment to mental well-being.
- Prioritize Self-Care Practices: Encourage self-care practices within the family. Be specific about what types of self-care each family member prefers – from rest to participating in hobbies, getting outdoors, or seeing certain friends. Help children brainstorm possible activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and rejuvenation – and see if there are things you can do together. Whether taking family walks, stretching together, or enjoying a technology-free evening, prioritizing self-care contributes to a positive family atmosphere and reinforces the importance of setting aside dedicated time for mental well-being.
- Embrace Physical Activity: Exercising and getting active are closely linked to mental health. Whether you enjoy a “runner’s high” or simply feel better getting some sunshine and fresh air during a short walk, tap into family-friendly physical activities that you can integrate into your routine. Playing group sports, going for bike rides, dancing together in the living room – you name it. Regular exercise can enhance mood, reduce stress, and promote overall mental wellness.
- Mindful Eating Habits: Nutrition plays a significant role in mental well-being. Use Mental Wellness Month as an opportunity to reassess and enhance your family’s eating habits. Aim for balanced, colorful meals with a variety of nutrients that contribute to both physical and mental health. Encourage family members to share their favorite healthy recipes and cook meals together.
- Digital Detox Time: Excessive screen time and social media scrolling can impact mental health for people of all ages – especially children and teens. Consider implementing a family digital detox during Mental Wellness Month. Designate specific times to unplug from devices, engage in face-to-face interactions, and connect more personally.
- Art and Creativity: Make a practice of getting creative together and finding new ways for children to express themselves. Art, crafts, music, and other forms of creativity can be powerful emotional outlets. Plan a family art night where everyone can play around with paint, colored pencils, clay, or any other creative medium. Creative activities promote self-expression and are a fun way to bond as a family.
- Volunteer Together: Giving back to the community is an uplifting way for families to participate in something meaningful together. Identify local volunteer opportunities that the whole family can join in.
- Keep up Healthy Sleep Habits: Quality sleep is essential for mental health. Work together to establish healthy sleep habits within the family. Create a calming bedtime routine by putting away phones and computers at least 90 minutes before bedtime and limiting snacking or sweets in the hours before bed. Give children a comfortable sleep environment and discuss the importance of getting enough sleep for overall well-being.
- Commit to Maintaining a Supportive Environment: It is a parent’s responsibility to create a supportive family environment where each person feels valued and understood. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and offer support during challenging times. Encourage open dialogue about feelings and concerns, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength. Doing all of these things in January is fantastic – beyond Mental Wellness Month, parents need to stay accountable to create a nurturing, safe space for dialogue and care.
As families come together to prioritize mental health, they not only enhance their own well-being but also contribute to a broader societal shift toward understanding, compassion, and support for mental health issues. At Maryvale, we consider a child’s entire family when providing mental health support to ensure that their whole experience is as healthy, positive, and nurturing as possible. Learn more about how we provide holistic care to those who need it most.
