May is Mental Health Awareness Month, anxiety management & self-care continue to be important. There are many organizations and resources that are leading us right now in how to care for our emotional health.

A fantastic source of information is The Child Mind Institute. In addition to numerous articles, they’re offering the following clinical and supportive resources: Facebook Live video chats with expert clinicians, remote evaluations & telemedicine, phone consultations, and daily parent tips on their website & social media.

Here are some tips:

*As best as possible, try to stick to a family routine that includes healthy sleep hygiene, nutritious foods, & movement into your daily schedule.

*We want to be informed but not overwhelmed by the news. Try to limit your news to credible sources, and limit social media use to manage anxiety.

*There is a lot that is not in our control right now, which can cause anxiety. Try to spend some time each day to focus attention on what is in our control. This can be very simple things like folding laundry or cleaning your workspace.

*Get support, whether from your social networks or a mental health professional. The American Psychological Association has a guide to finding mental health providers.

*Give yourself permission to feel your feelings. Emotions such as anxiety, frustration, & fear are common right now. Label your emotion and observe it without allowing the emotion to take control.

*Schedule time for relaxation. What relaxes you?: Exercise, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, a hot bath/shower, reading, music? Incorporate whatever works into your daily (or hourly) schedule.

*Remember: we are modeling for young people how to handle stress & anxiety. By taking care of ourselves, we are teaching them how to care for themselves.

Our physical and mental health are strongly connected, and you can get the support you need to maintain both for your family—and yourself. Help is available online and in our communities.