Things to Celebrate in June

One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to look for the good in daily life and reflect upon what you are grateful for. There is always something to celebrate, whether it be big or small. Taking time to celebrate can help you recognize what you have to be grateful for in your life and shift your mindset in a positive way.

During the month of June, there are quite a few national observances and holidays to look forward to. Consider taking the time this month to acknowledge and celebrate these days and you may find that when you end the month, your mental health is better than it was when the month started.

Celebrating Pride Month

June is Pride Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate identity, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community. Even if you’re not part of this community, there are things you can do to help promote this initiative and help make these individuals feel acknowledged, supported, and included. Some ways to celebrate Pride this month include:

• Attending a local Pride parade, walk, or festival

• Hanging a Pride flag outside of your home

• Volunteering or donating to an initiative that supports the Pride initiative and LGBTQ+ rights

• Working as an advocate in your home, school, or workplace for Pride

• Taking time to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ history and culture

• Reaching out to a family member or friend who is in the LGBTQ+ community and expressing your love for them

Celebrating Men’s Health Week

June 13-19, the week leading up to Father’s Day, is National Men’s Health Week. It’s easy to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily activities that you might forget to take time to care for yourself and let your mental or physical health slide.

One way you can take the time to honor your father or a father figure in your life this month is to go out of your way to encourage them to take care of themselves. This could include scheduling a doctor’s appointment for a procedure they need but have been putting off, helping them set up a meeting with a therapist to learn how to manage stress, or encouraging them to let go of an unhealthy habit they’ve been holding onto for a while.

Whether you are a man or not, consider the following additional ways to celebrate Men’s Health Week this year:

• Get a gym membership

• Make an appointment with a mental health therapist

• Spend some time outside in nature

• Take a break from social media

• Wear a blue ribbon (a symbol for men’s health)

• Check in with the men in your life

Celebrating Father’s Day

Father’s Day comes on the third Sunday in June, the 19th this year. It can be a bittersweet day, especially for those whose fathers are absent or those whose fathers have passed away. Whatever your situation may be, there are still ways to celebrate this day in a meaningful way.

For example, if your father has passed away, consider spending the day celebrating his life by gathering as a family and visiting his favorite restaurant or doing a hobby he used to enjoy. You may even consider visiting his burial site. If you don’t have a relationship with your biological father, you can still celebrate any father figures you may have such as a step-father, older brother, uncle, or grandfather.

Some additional ways to celebrate your father or father figure on this holiday include:

• Cook him his favorite meal

• Take care of a household task

• Prepare a slideshow featuring your favorite photos with him

• Make him a handmade card

• Enjoy one of his favorite activities with him

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth, June 19th, is now a federal holiday that commemorates the ending of slavery of African Americans in the United States. Some ways to celebrate this special day include:

• Educate yourself on the full history of the holiday

• Support black-owned businesses

• Spread awareness about what Juneteenth is

• Attend local Juneteenth events

Celebrating International Yoga Day

June 21 is International Yoga Day. If yoga is new to you, you may be reluctant to try it. However, it can yield some incredible mental and physical benefits, such as:

• Improved flexibility, strength, and balance

• Lower stress levels

• Lower blood pressure

• A greater sense of mental peace and centeredness

• Better sleep

To celebrate this day, consider giving yoga a shot and try out a yoga class with a friend. If you’re not comfortable going to a class, you can learn from the comfort of your own home. There are many YouTube tutorials and apps that can help you learn the basics.

You don’t have to wait for major, well-known holidays for a chance to celebrate. There are always things to celebrate if you take the time to look for them. During the month of June, there are many observances to look forward to. June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the value of identity, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ communities. To celebrate pride, consider attending a parade, educating yourself on LGBTQ+ history and culture, or hanging a pride flag outside. In honor of Men’s Health Week, as well as Father’s Day, celebrate the special men in your life and encourage them to take care of their physical and mental health. In honor of Juneteenth, consider supporting black-owned businesses and educating yourself about the holiday. If you’re ready to achieve your best mental health possible, contact SokyaHealth at 866-932-1767 today.