Article written by: Starling Minds 

One of the best ways to break the stigma around mental illness is to celebrate mental wellness. Here are nine different ways you can promote and celebrate mental health at home and at work. 
 

1. Demystify mental health. Test your knowledge with these true or false questions and improve your mental health literacy. 

2. Practice self-care. Think about three things you do for yourself that make you happy and learn to prioritize them in your daily life. It could be grabbing a morning coffee, taking a bath, going for a walk or anything else that brings you joy. 

3. Start a gratitude journal. Write down at least five things you are thankful for every day. 

4. Find a new hobby. Think of something you’ve always wanted to try; new hobbies can help alleviate daily stressors and make you happy. 

5. Start a conversation with someone about mental health. Here are a few tips to help you get started. 

6. Read a book. Reading is a great way to enter into a different world, which can bring lots of joy and help us escape reality for a little while. 

7. Find free resources for yourself and others. Share reputable online resources, apps, and self-help materials that you or your loved ones can use. All OTIP plan members and their families have access to Starling Mental Fitness, a free online mental health program to help with stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. 

8. Start a secret wellness exchange. Draw names, keep the name you drew a secret, and do nice things for that person. One day, you might write them an uplifting note. Another day, you could have their favorite coffee waiting on their desk. Even secretly helping them on work projects can feel rewarding.  

9. Check in with yourself. Build regular check-ins into your daily routine to stay connected to your mind and body. It can be very beneficial to set aside time to ask yourself how your body and mind are feeling. 

Additional resources

• Feeling stressed? Discover Starling Mental Fitness, a 24/7, confidential digital mental health program with check-ups, guided training sessions, mindfulness exercises, and a supportive community to help you overcome feelings of stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. OTIP plan members and their eligible family members (16+) can access services from Starling Minds for free.    
• Did you know that Starling Minds just launched a new app? To get started, search “Starling Minds” from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download. Sign in to your account to continue your journey of improved mental well-being! 
• If you have any questions about your mental health-related benefits coverage or the services available to you through your benefits plan, you can view your benefits booklet on the OTIP plan member site.