As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is reflecting on the progress we’ve made as an organization in supporting our employees through their mental health struggles, while removing the stigma surrounding mental illness. However, we also recognize that challenges remain to ensuring quality and affordable mental health care is available to all, and we’re taking steps to provide all of our employees with adequate mental health support.

Goodwill recently launched Tava Health, a benefit available to all employees, spouses, and dependents, which provides up to 15 free sessions with a mental health counselor. These sessions are virtual, giving employees and their families greater scheduling flexibility. They may choose from a number of licensed mental health professionals based on their individual needs and preferences. 

Goodwill also provides training to our employees in Adult Mental Health First Aid, equipping dozens who are now certified to assist someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge. We also understand how important self-care is to overall mental health, and to this end, Goodwill employees have access to weight loss programs and gym memberships at a discounted cost, plus wellness grants to help them purchase tools and equipment for self-care. 

If you or someone you know would like to take advantage of these benefits, send them a link to our careers page! 

Here are our top five self-care tips to improve your mental health:

1. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day: You don’t need fancy equipment or a lot of time – a quick walk around your neighborhood is a great way to keep your body moving and to get some sunshine, which is also great for your mental health. 
2. Eat well – drink lots of water: Our bodies don’t thrive on junk food. A well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, protein and water will have measurable benefits to how you feel and perform everyday tasks. This doesn’t mean you can never indulge on the sweets you enjoy but strive to eat well at least 80% of the time.
3. Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night: Sleep is incredibly important to how we feel and perform and even how our bodies respond to exercise and the food we eat. Don’t sleep well? Make sure your room is temperate and dark and that your mattress offers sufficient support. Or try a white noise app if soothing sounds help lull you to sleep. 
4. Set goals and priorities: You know that feeling of satisfaction you get when you mark an item off of your to do list? Meeting a big goal is similar but on a much larger scale. Goals help us stay focused and disciplined and are essential to our long-term growth.
5. Practice gratitude: Reminding yourself daily of the things you’re thankful for helps keep you grounded. Write three things you’re grateful for before bed each night.

Visit the National Institute for Mental Health’s website for more information.