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Small habits can make a big difference. This Mental Health Awareness Month, our medical team shares the simple, real-life ways they reset, recharge, and take care of their mental well-being.
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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect and reconnect with what helps us feel our best. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. Sometimes, it’s the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
At Connected Health, our multidisciplinary medical team—including CRNPs, RNs, PharmDs, pharmacy technicians, and physicians—supports patients every day in caring for both their physical and mental well-being.
We asked our team to share what helps them get out of a funk, boost their mood, and take care of their mental well-being. Here’s what they had to say:
For Kaya, CRNP, spending time outdoors is an instant mood booster. Whether it’s with her husband or her young daughter, she finds that fresh air and a change of environment can completely shift the tone of the day.
“Sometimes all it takes is stepping outside for a few minutes to change your mindset; fresh air really does make a difference,” she shares.
She’s noticed that even when her daughter is having a tough time, simply stepping outside works wonders. And with warmer weather here, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of nature’s reset button.
Richard, our pharmacy technician, emphasizes the power of mornings. He recommends starting your day early (if you can) to create space before the demands of work begin.
For him, that means meditation and reading the Bible.
“I read the Bible, reflecting on Joshua 1:8 and the importance of meditating on the Word,” Richard shares.
He also offers a practical tip for winding down at night.
“I’m a bit of a night owl, so it takes me 30–40 minutes to fully wind down before bed,” he says. “If you’re anything like me, plan for that and get in bed earlier so you’re not stressing about falling asleep instantly and can still stay on a routine.”
Carla, Pharm D, swears by daily walks—and her silver lab, Bullet, makes sure she sticks to it.
“Bullet is my built-in accountability partner,” Carla says. “We can’t even say the word ‘walk’ in my house unless we mean it—so now we call it a ‘stroll,’ but he’s catching on… even ‘sneakers’ gets him excited!”
Carla says those daily walks help clear her mind and bring consistency to her routine.
Carla, LPN, finds peace in gardening. With planting season around the corner, she’s excited to get back outside and encourages others to try it too.
“I encourage my patients to try gardening—even something small. It gives you a sense of purpose and something positive to focus on,” Carla shares.
Ashley, RN, keeps it simple: do something small for yourself.
“I like to remind people (and myself!) to do something small just for you—even a coffee or a little treat can make a difference,” Ashley says. It doesn’t have to be big. Your favorite coffee, a small treat, or a little gift can go a long way. Sometimes, those tiny moments of joy are exactly what you need to shift your mood.
Dr. Sarkar highlights the powerful connection between gut health and mental health. After cutting out alcohol, she noticed a significant positive change.
“I’ve really seen how much both gut health and your environment impact how you feel day to day,” Dr. Sarkar shares. “Taking care of both has made a significant difference for me.”
She also emphasizes something just as important: the people you surround yourself with. After age 40, she made a conscious decision to distance herself from negativity.
Her advice? Keep your inner circle filled with people who build you up and “fill your cup.”
For Kristen, CMA, humor is everything. When she’s feeling stressed, cracking jokes with colleagues, patients, or family helps lighten the mood instantly.
“Sometimes you just have to laugh—it can completely change the energy of a moment,” Kristen shares. Making others laugh creates a ripple effect of positivity, not just for her, but for everyone around her.
Dr. Duffy keeps it simple: get outside and move your body. He jokes about “touching grass,” but really means making time for fresh air and a break from indoor routines.
“Even just getting outside for a bit can make a big difference,” Dr. Duffy shares. “Exercise is one of my biggest stress relievers. It helps me reset mentally.”
For him, movement isn’t just physical, it’s a key part of maintaining mental well-being. Fresh air, movement, and a change of scenery can have a powerful impact on both physical and mental health.
Mental health doesn’t always require big changes; often, it’s about finding small, meaningful habits that work for you. Whether it’s stepping outside, taking a walk, eating well, laughing with others, or simply treating yourself, these moments add up.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, consider trying one (or a few) of these tips—you might be surprised at how much better you feel.
At Connected Health, we’re here to support your mental and physical well-being every step of the way. If you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider—or to someone you trust, like a friend or family member. You don’t have to go through it alone.
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