Get outside + 3 more ways to boost your mental health now

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and organizations and individuals across Birmingham are creating spaces where mental health is discussed.

To hear more about what benefits our mental health, we found some resources and advice that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS) offers. Here’s what we learned.

1. Create a social network + form new relationships

Surrounding yourself with people who are driven, productive and reaching for similar goals is a great way to create community. These are your people. They’ll help you when you’re down and stand by you through all seasons of your life.

Here is what BCBS of Alabama suggests when looking for community:

• Dig deeper into existing friendships by sharing hobbies + activities.
• Find a job, hobby or activity you enjoy + do more of it.
• Seek ways to support others through community service.

We all know Birmingham is an inclusive city. If you haven’t seen this first-hand—here are a few ways to get involved.

• Art, music, language + more classes
• Community sports
• Free fitness + cooking sessions
• Young professionals groups

2. Get outside + get moving

Regular, consistent physical exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mood and overall physical health.

Birmingham is full of amazing walking trails and hiking hot spots. Check out a few of our favorites and bask in the beauty of the Magic City!

Psst, BCBS of Alabama sponsors three popular trails at the Birmingham Zoo—the Flamingo Trail, Gator Trail and Giraffe Trail.

I recently had some time to walk around the zoo and it was so fun to mingle with the flamingos and look for alligators in the pond.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to support the Birmingham Zoo and their new Walking Trail initiative.

Giving people a pathway to connect with nature, wildlife and the beauty of our zoo is an excellent way to help improve our overall mental health and well-being.” 

Sophie Martin, Director of Corporate Communications and Community Relations, BCBS of Alabama

Head to the Birmingham Zoo today and check them out at 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223.

Here’s what you can expect at each trail:

• Flamingo: 1/4 mile where you can watch the pink feathered friends.
• Gator: 1/2 mile that circles the Swamp area + bird habitats.
• Giraffe: 1 mile through the Trails of Africa + around Alabama Wilds.

3. Eat well + maintain a healthy diet

While I love comfort foods as much as the next person, it’s important that diets are full of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

These foods impact how our brains function, making us feel better mentally and physically.

Wondering where in Birmingham you can find your new favorite nutritious meal? We have a few suggestions.

4. Plan daily goals + look beyond the present

BCBS advises to “decide the kind of person you want to be and act in ways that align with your ideals.”

How can we do this?

• Create small, achievable daily goals.
• Center your life around what gives you a sense of purpose.
• Look beyond the present.

For me, I find a sense of purpose in writing. You could find it in a sport, an instrument or helping others. Whatever it is—find ways to celebrate everything in your life. Little wins add up to great achievements.

Check out more mental health resources at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

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