Mental Health Awareness Month is May. It’s a great time to take action and be more aware of your mental health and wellbeing. Self-care benefits everyone. However, it is even more crucial for people with disabilities because it helps them manage the challenges of living with a handicap. Self-care can help reduce stress, relieve symptoms of mental illness, and improve your overall health. Here are some tips to help you feel better.

Find Out What Works Best for You.

Self-care can be done in a variety of ways. What works for one person may not work for another. Self-care is a wide range of activities. Some can be performed alone, others in groups, while still others require you to travel or purchase supplies. Understanding what works best for you is the most important part of self-care. You can discuss self-care with a caregiver or friend to help you find what works for you.

Be Active in a Manner That You Find Energizing and Safe.

Moving is an excellent way to relieve stress, improve mood and strengthen your body. You can feel better by participating in a variety of activities that are designed for people with limited mobility. Try gentle stretching, chair exercises or accessible yoga to relax your mind and energize your body. You can do these activities in groups to add a social element that will help you develop a sense of community. The Denver-based Guided by Humanity offers yoga classes that are accessible to people of all abilities. Also, they offer mindfulness support groups and nature retreats. If you are a fan of physical activity, Special Olympics Colorado is another place where you can develop your skills and compete against others.

Fill Your Prescriptions as Soon as Possible and Keep Detailed Records.

It’s important to keep your prescriptions in order and have a schedule for picking them up. This will help you reduce stress, and be ready if something unexpected happens. If mobility is an issue, caregivers or family members can assist with the schedule and picking up medication. You can stay organized by using strategies like using a pill organizer and keeping track expiration dates.

Join the Community of Peers.

We offers many opportunities for building community. Access Gallery is an initiative of the Mill Levy Community Initiative. It provides individuals with disabilities a place to explore and enjoy the arts. We produces plays with disabled performers. Activities provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in recreational activities like horseback riding and cooking classes. Many more groups are available for people with disabilities who want to meet others with similar interests or hobbies , in person or online.

Include Sensory Activities in Your Daily Routine.

Sensory activities can be a relaxing and fun way to connect with your environment, stimulate your brain, and interact with others. Make sensory activities part of your daily or weekly routine. Bonus points if they engage all five senses. You can find fun activities by using guides like or this. The use of physical sensory items is also a great way to help children with autism. The Autism Community store is a Mill Levy Community Initiative where you can find sensory items, teaching tools, sleeping solutions and more.

Enjoy Time Outdoors at Your Own Pace.

Spending time outdoors can help you to improve your health, increase your social interaction, and absorb vitamin D. Being outside can reduce stress, improve mood and even speed up healing if you have an injury. No matter what your level of ability, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Many people like to find accessible hiking trails. Some people find peace by meditating or birdwatching, identifying plants and insects, or creating art outside. It can take some time to find out what you enjoy about nature. You may be inspired by reading about other disabled people’s experiences and their interpretation of outdoor activities. Providers of Disability Care in Adelaide often offer planned outdoor activities for you and your loved ones, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of nature in a safe and supported environment.

Self-care can be a practice you continue throughout your life. It will change with you. It is not important to have a perfect self-care regimen. Instead, the goal is to discover what recharges you and makes you feel your best throughout your day, weeks, and even life. Try them in different ways to see how they make you feel. You have more to learn about yourself, so don’t be afraid to explore different resources.