By MONIQUE KOERNER
KSRE Cottonwood Dist.
I’m writing this article on May Day! I was always excited for May Day when I was a kid because my mother and I had a tradition.
I would make construction paper baskets and then we would go around Hays looking for flowers such as tulips and lilacs that were blooming. We would knock on doors and politely ask the homes occupant if we could snip a couple of flowers for our May Day baskets. Most of the time people were happy to help. Then we would place the flowers and some other sweet treats in my home-made construction paper baskets and take them to a few friends and my teachers. With May Day baskets, you ring the door bell and then leave to allow the basket to be an anonymous gift for the recipient. I was always so excited to go to school the next day and see if my teachers and friends enjoyed their May Day baskets. I enjoyed showing my children how to make the baskets and deliver them when they were young also.
I share this story because May is also Mental Health Awareness month. This story brings to light many things we can do for our mental health. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut mentally and emotionally, a few simple changes may help you break free:
• Take media breaks. Limit how much you are watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Instead, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warmth and breeze.
• Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Do something kind for someone.
Making May Day baskets can incorporate many of these items such as getting outside and enjoying nature or get some exercise, connecting with others, and doing enjoyable activities. Giving to others can help you change your mindset.
May Day baskets can also be a wonderful parent-child activity to do together. What better way to help a parent or child’s mental health then spending time together doing something fun and meaningful? If you do it yearly, it can become a tradition. Traditions within families help children feel a sense of belonging and worth.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected].