Whether you’ve directly struggled or watched a family member or friend struggle, mental health is something that affects everyone daily. According to numbers from NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness every year. Additionally, NAMI reports that 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder every year. These powerful statistics are just one reason why Mental Health Awareness Month is so important to recognize every year.
Established in 1949, Mental Health Month has been spreading awareness for many years, but there is still more work to be done. Current efforts have a heavy focus on promoting acceptance, prevention and recovery as well as dismissing the negative stigma often associated with mental illnesses.
While Mental Health Awareness Month is a great month for education about mental illness, it’s also a great opportunity to pause and check-in on our own mental wellbeing. It’s important to remember that mental health falls on a spectrum and affects different people in various ways. For some, caring for their mental health may mean medical attention or medication while for others treatment may be simpler. Even if you are not currently struggling with your mental wellbeing, carving out time for self-care can be beneficial for everyone on the mental health spectrum.
In our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find ways or the time to practice self-care. Self-care can also come in several forms including physical self-care, emotional self-care, professional self-care and more. Hobbies are also a great way to lower levels of stress and depression, prevent dementia and prioritize mental wellbeing. Read more.
When it comes to self-care, it can be difficult knowing where to start. Additionally, patrons may not realize what popular digital resources are available to them through their library. Introducing or reminding patrons about the benefits of digital magazines is a great way to engage your community and promote self-care within your library. With hundreds of magazines covering a wide variety of wellness, health and fitness topics, Flipster has digital titles your patrons will appreciate when they are looking to hone skills and hobbies or nurture a healthy body and mind.
View our list below of activities and digital magazines that promote self-care and positively impact mental wellness.
Health, Wellness and Beauty
Taking care of our physical bodies is a great way to practice self-love on a daily basis. Activities like trying out a nightly skincare routine could impact mental health by adding structure and stability to your day, easing anxiety as well as stimulating mood-boosting brain chemicals. Check-out our picks below that cover a number of health, wellness and beauty topics.
- Black Beauty & Hair
- Cosmopolitan
- Diabetes Self-Management
- Men’s Health
- Natural Solutions
- Organic Spa Magazine
- Prevention
- Spirituality & Health
- WellBeing
- WellBeing Astrology
- Woman & Home: Feel Good You
- Women’s Health
Fitness and Sports
Fitness is not only a great way to stay physically healthy, but it’s also great for your mental well-being. Exercise has the ability to improve mental health by increasing self-esteem and cognitive function. Additionally, there’s evidence that exercise can alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. See some of our favorite fitness and sports magazines below.
- 220 Triathlon
- Ability Magazine
- Figure Skater Fitness Magazine
- Golf Tips
- Rugby World
- Runner’s World
- Soccer 360
- Sports Illustrated
- Sports Illustrated Kids
- STRONG Fitness Magazine
- Thrasher
- Wrestling USA
Outdoor activities/Gardening
Outdoor activities are a great way to connect with the natural world and alleviate stress. Many benefits have been linked to exposure to nature like improved attention, better mood, increased empathy and reduced risk of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, taking up gardening as a hobby has potential benefits like increased exercise, improved diet and social connections. Learn more about the benefits of spending time outside with some of our favorite outdoor activity and gardening magazines.
- Adventure
- Bicycling
- Birds & Blooms
- Dirt Bike
- Dirt Wheels
- Electric Bike Action
- Fur-Fish-Game
- Kayak Session Magazine
- Mountain Bike Action
- Outdoor Gardener
- Outdoor Photographer
- Photography Week
- Salt Water Sportsman
- Team Roping Journal
- Wilderness
In addition to a variety of resources to support mental health and self-care, Flipster is committed to high accessibility standards with the goal of providing a positive reading experience for everyone.
Flipster also recently received the highest platinum distinction from the Modern Library Awards (MLA) for the sixth year in a row. Created by LibraryWorks and judged by librarians, the MLAs recognize the top products in the library industry.
Choose from more than 1,200 digital magazines on a variety of topics or add to your existing collection using EBSCOhost Collection Manager. Browse magazine categories like Home & Garden, Lifestyle, Food & Cooking and more that promote various wellness topics.
Already a Flipster subscriber? Use our ready-made marketing materials to promote your collection during Mental Health Awareness month and all year long.
