There’s something about May that feels like a happy chance to reset. Maybe it’s the sunshine sticking around longer, or seeing new blooms spring to life, or the feeling that were this close to summer break. Whatever it is, May is also Mental Health Awareness Month – a good reminder to slow down and ask, how am I really doing?
And maybe more importantly, what helps me feel like me?
Finding Your Happy Place
Nevertheless, finding your happy place doesn’t mean booking a getaway or having everything figured out. Sometimes its just a little moment that makes you feel calm, grounded, or even just a little bit lighter. Below are five things everyone can do to feel better when the world feels a bit too loud.
Find a Quiet Spot to Just Be
Being still doesn’t necessarily mean sitting in silence for an hour, it can be as simple as sitting on your bed for a few minutes and doing nothing. No phone. No notifications. Just breathing. Maybe starting out of the window and letting out a big sigh (super underrated!).
If you are student, try doing this before a big exam or after a long day of classes. Parents, try it when the house is finally quiet and no one is asking for snacks. Even five minutes can reset you and help you face the rest of the day.
Move, Even If You’re Just Dancing in the Kitchen
Physical activity is often linked to health goals, buts also a powerful tool for boosting your mood! The key? Making it enjoyable and fun. Jumping on a trampoline, dancing in the kitchen, roller skating in the park, or just walking while listening to music can help release tension and bring a sense of peace and joy.
Movement helps the brain produce feel-chemicals and reduces stress, which can be especially helpful during busy times. The more fun it feels, the more likely it is to become a healthy habit, and that’s great news for emotional wellness!
Spend Time with People Who Feel Like Home
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of being around someone who “gets it”. For students, that might be a best friend, a supportive sibling, or even a furry friend. For families, it could quite moments together, laughter over dinner, or just checking in during the day.
Quality time, no matter how short, can incredibly grounding. It helps build trust, emotional safety, and a reminder that we have each other for support. Connection is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen mental health and resilience.
Make Something Creative
Art has a special way to helping people express themselves, especially when the right words are hard to find. Drawing, painting, sculpting, or even snapping a photograph can bring calmness and a sense of accomplishment. Creating something from the heart is a powerful form of self-care.
Starting May 12, students who enjoy art can take that creativity one step further by entering the K12 Art Competition. The nationwide competition invites students in grades K-12 to submit an original piece of artwork for a chance to be recognized at national level, plus win awesome prizes. Submissions are open until August 25, and this competition includes a photography category too. Finalists will present their art to a panel of judges Zoom. This is an exciting opportunity to share their voice with the world.
Make Time for Joy
Not every moment needs to be productive. Making times for things you that bring you joy, without a goal or outcome can be healing. That might be rewatching a favorite movie, building something creative, baking a new recipe, or revisiting an old book.
For students juggling school and responsibilities, joy breaks can reduce stress and bring back energy. For families, making space for joy helps build stronger bonds and creates moments of calmness in everyday life. Doing something just because is a great reminder that and rest are not extras, they are essential.
A Reminder This May (and Beyond)
Mental health is something to care for all year long but May offers a fresh opportunity to prioritize it. After all, a few minutes of quite time, a creative project, or a shared laugh with someone close can help students and families reconnect with what feels good.
And for those who find joy in art, remember the K12 Art Competition is officially open! Visit https://enrichment.k12.com/art-competition/ to learn more and submit your entry before August 25, 2025. It’s a fun, meaningful way to celebrate creativity this May, and all summer long!
