In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk unpack what it really means to “manage your mental health” — and how that differs from managing mental illness. Together, they explore everyday actions, habits, and mindset shifts that can help anyone take better care of their mental well-being, with a strong focus on understanding why these strategies work. Key Topics Discussed: Mental Health vs. Mental Illness Learn the critical distinction between having mental health (which we all do) and having a mental illness (a diagnosable condition). You can flourish or struggle with mental health — whether or not you have a diagnosis. Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing Not all “feel-good” actions are created equal. Mike and Jessica break down how to tell the difference: if it leaves you better after the fact, it’s self-care; if not, it may just be a momentary self-soothe. Tips & Tools for Everyday Mental Health From evidence-backed strategies to lived experience, they dive into: Nature and Exercise – How time outdoors and movement regulate stress and mood. Volunteering & Social Connection – Combat loneliness, build purpose, and improve emotional health. Pets – How furry companions promote mindfulness, routine, and connection. Kindness & Gratitude – Backed by science, simple acts can lift your mood and even boost your lifespan. Empowerment Through Action The episode emphasizes that managing mental health is not about perfection but about finding tools that support you — and using them regularly. Key Takeaways: “Mental health is like physical health — we all have it.” “Self-care is not selfish — it’s necessary.” “Seventeen minutes in nature can make a measurable difference.” “Acts of kindness can be more effective than therapy.” **Resources Self-care https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care https://cmha.ca/news/self-care-simplified-why-its-essential-and-how-to-make-it-happen/#:~:text=Regular%2C%20quality%20self%2Dcare%20has,symptoms%20of%20anxiety%20and%20depression.&text=It%20can%20also%20help%20build,life's%20many%20stressors%20and%20challenges . https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202302/understanding-the-mental-health-and-self-care-connection VS self-soothe https://blog.ab.bluecross.ca/lifestyle/focus-on-you-self-care-versus-self-soothe/ https://urbanwellnesscounseling.com/self-care-vs-self-soothing/ Nature https://namica.org/blog/mental-health-benefits-of-nature/ https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2015/06/hiking-mental-health-063015 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4204431/ https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/ https://www.discoverycollegekelowna.com/courses-workshops/nature-mental-health-part-1 Exercise https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/fitness/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-mood https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/blog-posts/57251-move-to-boost-your-mental-health/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-boost-mood Volunteering https://cmhato.org/news/7-reasons-why-volunteering-is-good-for-our-mental-health/ https://www.nami.org/people/how-volunteering-improves-mental-health/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-020-00242-8 https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-recovery-coach/202407/the-mental-and-physical-health-benefits-of-volunteering Connection https://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/ https://bc.cmha.ca/news/social-connection-is-the-cure/ https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.html Pets https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/pets-and-mental-health https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/health-benefits-of-pets-how-your-furry-friend-improves-your-mental-and-physical-health/2024/04 Pet & Autism https://habri.org/blog/the-human-animal-bond-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/nurturing-self-esteem-in-autistic-children/202211/is-owning-pet-beneficial-autistic-children Gratitude https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-...
