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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there’s never been a better time to check in with yourself and make your well-being a priority. 

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just want to take better care of your emotional health, small changes can make a big difference. 

Here are 7 actionable mental health tips to try this May — and beyond:

1. Try Therapy (Even If You Think You Don’t “Need” It)

Therapy isn’t just for when things feel unmanageable — it can also be a proactive tool for personal growth, better self-understanding, and stress management. If the idea of in-person therapy feels intimidating, expensive, or hard to fit into your schedule, consider online therapy.

Platforms like BetterHelp make getting started easy. You can get matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 hours, and for around $70 a week, you’ll have one live session per week and can message your therapist anytime. 

It’s a flexible, affordable way to start taking your mental health seriously, on your own time. And right now, BetterHelp is offering 20% off your first month, so it’s the perfect time to try it. 

2. Start a Journaling Practice

Journaling is a powerful way to manage stress, track your emotional patterns, and get thoughts out of your head and onto paper (or even a screen). You don’t have to write a novel — just 5 minutes a day can help you process emotions and gain clarity.

Not sure where to start? The BetterHelp app includes a built-in journaling tool you can use alongside your therapy sessions or on its own. It’s your personal space to reflect, and can help you make the most of your mental health journey.

3. Create a Digital Detox Window

Our phones are amazing, but constant notifications, doomscrolling, and comparison traps don’t do our mental health any favors. Try setting aside 30–60 minutes daily to unplug — no screens or scrolling. Read a book, go on a walk, or just sit with your thoughts.

4. Move Your Body — But Do It Your Way

Exercise isn’t just about fitness but mental clarity, too. Regular movement boosts mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. But it doesn’t have to be intense. A walk around the block, a quick yoga flow, or dancing in your kitchen totally counts.

The key? Find a form of movement you actually enjoy and aim to do it a few times a week.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re considering trying therapy, there’s never been a better time. BetterHelp makes it easy — and right now, you can get 20% off your first month. Sign up today and you could get matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 hours.

5. Set Boundaries Like You Mean It

Your time and energy are valuable. Learning to say “no” when something doesn’t align with your well-being is a powerful form of self-care. Whether it’s declining extra work, carving out alone time, or muting that group chat, setting boundaries helps you protect your peace.

6. Connect with Others (Even If It’s Hard)

Loneliness can creep in quietly and seriously impact mental health. If you’ve been feeling isolated, try to reach out to a friend, join a support group, or even start therapy to work through barriers to connection.

BetterHelp even offers relationship and couples counseling through its sister platform, ReGain, if that’s a better fit for your needs.

7. Practice Self-Compassion, Not Perfection

Your mental health journey doesn’t need to be perfect. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins: journaling two days in a row, canceling a plan that felt draining, or just acknowledging how you feel.

Being kind to yourself isn’t self-indulgent — it’s foundational for long-term mental wellness.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to mental health tools or looking to deepen your practice, these tips are a great place to start this Mental Health Awareness Month. And if you’ve been thinking about therapy, consider giving BetterHelp a try. It’s an easy, supportive, and discreet way to start putting your mental health first. And with their current offer of 20% off your first month, theres no better time to give it a shot.

Join the millions who’ve turned to BetterHelp for support. You can get matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 hours — and for a limited time, enjoy 20% off your first month.