When “Non-essential” Becomes Essential


Today is World Mental Health Day! In the midst of a difficult year for many, given the COVID-19 pandemic, this day feels more important than ever. Never before have we as a nation had to face difficulties surrounding a global health crisis, national disasters destroying our forests and communities, political stress, and possible financial hardship. . .all at the same time! What were once considered to be non-essential events, such as going to a farmer’s market, attending an outdoor community event, or visiting a theme park, now feels more essential than ever. These activities brought connection, community, and reduced isolation. They allowed us to create new memories with loved ones.


In a time like today, where many fun activities are now cancelled and deemed “non-essential,” how can we continue to connect with others and manage our mental well-being? Here are just a few ways you can consider celebrating World Mental Health Day:


  1. Share how much someone means to you. Now is the perfect time to pick up the phone or write a letter, sharing how important someone is to you in your life. Take the time to express how that person makes you feel and why they are important to you.
  2. Engage in a random act of kindness. Hold the door open for someone, pay for the coffee for the person behind you in the drive through, or give someone a favor. Research shows that engaging in these little random acts of kindness play a significant role in improving mood along with the mood of the person who is on the receiving end.
  3. Plan an outdoor activity with your family. Now, more than ever, it is important to feel connected to others and find ways to continue creating new memories with loved ones. Consider going on a picnic, taking a hike, or even having a socially distant, small, outdoor gathering. Find ways to continue to connect with those you care about. Overall, connection is incredibly important for mental health, so work diligently to check in on those you care for and make a point to make them feel included.
  4. Engage in self-care. Between work, caring for children or loved ones, and maybe even having to teach your children this year, taking time for yourself is often the thing that gets pushed to the very end of your never-ending to-do list. Well, not today! Choose something that you can do for yourself that you have been neglecting. Whether it’s taking a long, hot bath or getting in some exercise, choose something that feels indulgent and enjoy. You deserve it.
  5. Consider what is essential and non-essential for you. Many places are starting to reopen with tight restrictions. Consider how you define essential and non-essential and how you might begin to engage in some activities you have been avoiding as a safety precaution. If you love to go to the movies, is there an outdoor drive-in near you? If you love shopping, do you feel comfortable attending a farmer’s market or outdoor antique fair? Consider where you find balance when it comes to protecting yourself and those you care for, while also attending to your own mental health needs. Both are equally important and should be treated as such.