Planting Seeds for Mental Wellness

March Message of the Month

Spring reminds us that growth rarely happens all at once. It starts quietly, with seeds planted underground, until they grow enough to peek above the surface and bloom. Mental health works the same way. The connections, habits, boundaries, supports, and self-care routines that we choose today are the seeds that shape our mental wellness in the future. 

Planting seeds doesn’t mean that everything changes immediately, but instead it can be making intentional choices and then letting them take time to grow.

And just like real seeds need water, sunlight, and patience, mental wellness requires the same consistency and commitment.

Mental wellness seeds can be simple, personal, and should feel attainable.

Here are some examples. Check in with yourself and take note of how you are feeling in certain situations and around certain people. Speak openly about mental wellness and what life struggles affect you - this can let others know they are not alone in their own struggles. Begin practicing mindfulness, even if it’s a few moments per day or week. Create a schedule to hold yourself accountable for moving your body in a way that works for you and enhances your mental wellbeing. 

Remember this - no one grows alone. Just as plants thrive in a healthy environment, mental wellness is nourished by connection with others. Every space in your life affects your wellbeing, whether that be at home, school, work, and in your community. Take an inventory of what spaces in your life need boundaries, more or less connection, or extra support. Find spaces that may better enhance your life, like a volunteering opportunity, support group, or shared hobby group. Take notice of what relationships you want to nurture and which ones you may need to step away from. 

When life feels too overwhelming, take the steps towards finding a good therapist. Learning new coping skills and extra support from a professional can help during the heavier times in life or when you just need that empathetic ear to listen. 

As we venture towards Spring, remind yourself of this - even when growth feels slow, the seeds you have planted are reaching upwards towards the sunlight. Treat yourself with kindness and be comfortable with setbacks. Growth isn’t linear. You’ll get there.