Teens everywhere struggle with balancing school, life, and mental health. In 1949, mental health awareness was established in the month of May by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization. Here are some ways you can celebrate this month. 

   1.) Taking time to acknowledge  what you are grateful for and what you have achieved in your day goes a long way. Try writing down three ideas for both. One in the mourning, afternoon, and at night. Any journal will do, some stores offer journals specially made for that purpose.

  2.) If you hate writing, try picking up a book to read for the month. Try to find one that fits you. There are tons of self-help books out there waiting to be read. If you do not like to read, try listening to an audiobook.

  3.) Share your story, it could be online or with a new friend. Talk about all the books and tips you read about that helped you. You could even create your own small support group.

   4.) Bookmark mental health resources, like apps or follow a creator online. Make it your goal this month to give those ads you ignore a chance. Find some that work for you, and find a couple that might work for others. 

   5.) Although this tip is common, it’s also quick, affordable and efficient. Practice your breathing, take a couple deep breaths anywhere and anytime. The National Library of Medicine even states that breathing can improve physiological and psychological stress.

  6.) Go for a run or a walk once in a while. Getting in touch with nature is a great way to get away from the stress of social media and life in general. You get the added benefit of also staying physically healthy. 

   7.) Develop a passion and a purpose by finding new hobbies. Learning new skills can improve your views on self-worth. Even the smallest of hobbies could have the biggest impact on your life.

   The Office of Population Affairs estimated that 49.5% of adolescents had some type of mental disorder at one point in their lives. That’s what makes spreading awareness of this month and celebrating it so important. Make a quick post on social media, and take the time to put care into your mental well-being.