Motivation: Get up for Mental Health Month
May is Mental Wellness Month—and Coronado SAFE is partnering with the Coronado community and Mental Health America (MHA) to bring helpful tools, tips and resources to Coronado residents and families (check out CoronadoSAFE.org for details). Mental wellness centers on emotional intelligence, which runs on a continuum starting with self-awareness and self-regulation. The ability to recognize emotions and then regulate them enables us to create what we all want and need to lead a mentally, emotionally and physically healthy life each day: motivation.
Look Within
How does motivation increase emotional intelligence? It’s fuel for self-fulfillment. The most effective and sustainable motivation is intrinsic, meaning it comes from your own personal purpose or “why.” Intrinsic motivation gets you through those tough or “off” days, while self-awareness and self-regulation keep you from letting your emotions pile up over weeks or months. Extrinsic motivators, like money or recognition, only go so far and can often falter. It’s intrinsic motivation that makes the best version of yourself and, in turn, healthy relationships with others.
Set the Stage for Self-Motivation
We all want to be self-motivated—and we all can be. You don’t need to be an entrepreneur, athlete or high performer to practice self-motivation. Simple habits such as positive self-talk and breaking large tasks or goals into small steps can make things feel more meaningful. Frequently reminding yourself of your reasons for doing or wanting something, and celebrating effort along with success, are important as well.
Performance coach Alan Mallory says, “There has to be a deeper meaning involved, and a commitment to yourself and others on your journey that make it all worthwhile.” With that deeper meaning, he explains, comes commitment to yourself and others to stay motivated.
Even for the successful and self-motivated, roadblocks will arise. When they do, embrace optimism. MindTools.com writes, “Every time you face a challenge, or even a failure, try to find at least one good thing about the situation. It might be something small, like a new contact, or something with long-term effects, like an important lesson learned. But there's almost always something positive, if you look for it.”
How Parents Can Motivate Their Children
Remember, emotional intelligence not only makes you happier and healthier; it also enhances your relationships with the most important people in your life. Once you have established your own self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation, you can impart the same values on your kids. Praise emotional growth, even in times when it might only be an effort and not necessarily a success. Support their passions and hobbies, even if they differ from your own. When kids feel a sense of purpose and belonging, they are much more motivated across the board.
More Resources for Mental Health Month
Alongside its scheduled programming of mental wellness and parenting workshops, Coronado SAFE will serve as the facilitator of the national Mental Wellness Month campaign in Coronado. Visit CoronadoSAFE.org to see the full schedule and participate in these free events. Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on social media @CoronadoSAFE to make mental wellness a part of your self-care routine not just during Mental Health Month, but each and every day in this beautiful island community we call home.
