Boy, does May have a lot going on. In addition to Mother's Day and Memorial Day, it's Mental Health Awareness Month, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and Older Americans Month, which is a good reminder to really prioritize your well-being inside and out, at any age. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you hitting those exercise guidelines? Are you taking breaks to help you avoid burnout, or making connections to offset feelings of loneliness? Those are just a few of the basic things worth checking on in between planning your summer vacation and shopping for swimsuits.
Read on for more suggestions on how to make the most out of this month.
Take stock of your mental health. Everyone has their own personal definition of what being emotionally well looks like, but in the spirit of recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, now is a good time to reflect on how you're feeling, what your particular needs are and what could improve. Maybe it's time to book your first session with a therapist (or find a new one), talk to your doctor about treatment options, let go of something that no longer serves you or invest more time in a therapeutic practice (meditation, spending time in nature) that always lifts you up.
Try a fun new workout. May 4 isn't just Star Wars Day; it's also National Fitness Day. What better excuse to sign up for that gym class — or any other heart-pumping activity — you've always been curious about: Line dancing to Cowboy Carter? Aerial yoga? Waving a lightsaber around?
Celebrate with a mocktail. Between the Kentucky Derby (which falls on May 4) and Mint Julep Day (May 30), you might be craving the sugary Southern cocktail. Or perhaps you can't let Cinco de Mayo pass without sipping a tangy margarita. If you want the vibe without the booze, consider a non-alcoholic version of these festive drinks — such as this mint julep mocktail inspired by the one served at Disneyland or this spicy virgin margarita garnished with jalapeño.
Ladies, look after yourselves. National Women's Health Week kicks off on May 12 (which also happens to be Mother's Day, for those who celebrate). Let it inspire you to make that doctor's appointment you've been putting off, do a breast self-exam or maybe just book yourself a relaxing massage or invigorating fitness class.
Bike to work ... or anywhere. Have you gone your whole life without realizing that Bike to Work Day existed? Well, it's May 17, and it sounds like a great way to get in some exercise and cut down on traffic congestion. But what if your commute to the office is particularly long — or, if you're a remote worker, so short it amounts to sitting upright in bed? It's still worth hopping on your two-wheeler (or Peloton) for a quick bike ride after you clock off. As the Harvard School of Public Health notes, cycling benefits your cardiovascular health, improves mobility and coordination, builds muscle and more.
Open your heart to artichokes. Artichokes are still at their best right now, and they're full of antioxidants, fiber-rich and great for digestion. If you're buying fresh and don't mind fussy preparation, a steamed 'choke makes for a sublime appetizer. For a recipe you can bust out year-round using canned or jarred versions, air-fried artichoke hearts served with a creamy garlic yogurt dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
Stock up on sunscreen. May 27 is National Sunscreen Day, so you'd better be slathering some on — yes, even if it's overcast, and even if you're not planning on stepping outside. In fact, consider this your nudge to pop to the drugstore for a fresh bottle/spray/tube to replace the expired ones in your bathroom cabinet. (Bonus: Sunscreen is considered FSA-eligible, if you contribute to a flexible saving account.)
Cool off — and help others do the same. With temperatures rising and summer around the corner, Heat Awareness Day on May 31 aims to emphasize the importance of avoiding heat illness — especially for those who work outside. In addition to knowing what symptoms to watch out for and keeping yourself and your loved ones (including pets!) cool, consider leaving out chilled water bottles for delivery and postal workers or keeping some in your car to hand out to anyone who might be struggling in the heat.