Today is May 6, 2026 and the Mental Health Awareness affirmation for today (from the Mental Health Awareness calendar) is about Affirmations:
“Affirmations can improve people’s overall well-being, help them feel better about themselves, and reduce anxiety. Pick a supportive phrase and repeat it today.”
I picked one from the list of suggested affirmations:
“I have the power to practice daily routines that nourish my physical and mental health. As I do so, I won’t forget that rest, connection, and stillness are pivotal pieces of those routines.”
Every now and then, I get off my exercise routine. However, for the last month, I’ve been doing better. One incentive was finding out I’ve gained a fair amount of weight since I retired in 2019. I realized that climbing six to 8 flights of stairs a day probably was pretty good exercise—but I don’t get to do that anymore. Sena is an avid gardener. I have a set exercise routine, which I’m recently more regular about doing.
Being still and connected means mindfulness meditation for me, which I first learned around 12 years ago. My essay for the Gold Foundation is dated in some respects, but it’s still relevant.
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!
Go Retire Psychiatrist 