CREATING EMOTIONAL SAFE SPACES

Let’s take a look at the physical environments you spend the most time in -- your home, work and living spaces. Here’s five tips.

1. Install specialty natural light lightbulbs. Face your desk towards outside light -- extremely important at work where you have less control over set-ups.

2. Utilize a quiet room or space. With open-plan spaces becoming the norm, it’s becoming harder to find quiet.

3. Make areas to play. Set up a small area for board games, yoga practice or activities that help reset your mind. If you create a space for it, you’re more likely to engage in it.

concentration and sense of well-being. Try different kinds of music to see which works best. At night, make your environment more conducive to rest with white noise especially if you live near night noise like a train, airport or busy freeway.

Finally, if you have someone among your family, friends or co-workers who has shared they are diagnosed with or dealing with a mental health issue, start a conversation during this Mental Health Month. You can work together with the person you care about to create shared spaces that help them feel safe and welcome too!

4. Avoid clutter. Decorate with items that bring you positive energy. If it brings you negative energy or brings up bad emotions – consider donating or ditching it.

5. Pet lovers should include formal plans for pet friendly areas. You don’t want your cat keyboard jumping during a Zoom call, but having a space for them nearby creates a calming factor.

For more tips to improve your physical environment for mental health or downloadable Mental Health Month resource kit, see: www. mhanational.org/mental-health-month