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Things to Celebrate in May to Alleviate Depression


Many people may feel like they need to wait for a birthday or major holiday to have an excuse to celebrate. In reality, there are things to celebrate all the time if you learn to recognize them. During each month of the year, there are certain holidays worth celebrating that you might not be aware of. Not only can this give you something to look forward to but can help increase your appreciation of the little things in life. It can even help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. May, in particular, is packed full of exciting things, including warmer temperatures and the welcoming of new life. If you want more to look forward to during this month, consider celebrating the following events.

Celebrating May 1st

May 1st is May Day. This is a long-standing holiday that was first used as a way to celebrate and promote successful agriculture. Long ago, people would celebrate the sprouting of seeds by sharing flowers with one another, having bonfires, and dancing around a maypole. A maypole is a large pole with colorful ribbons fastened to the top. It is common for people who celebrate this holiday to join together for a dance, each holding the end of a ribbon. As they dance, the ribbons become woven together to form an intricate, beautiful pattern. You could use this occasion to give someone you love flowers or have a celebration for spring and new life.

Celebrating May 5th

Despite common misconceptions, this is not the day of celebrating Mexico’s independence. May 5th is the holiday Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for Fifth of May), an occasion that celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is a day of celebration for Mexican citizens that is often filled with parades, feasts, reenactments of the battle, and other celebratory events. In recent years, this holiday has been celebrated more in America than in Mexico. This could be due to misinformation regarding the original cause of the holiday. In any case, feast away on tacos and have your own parade!

Celebrating May 8th

Mother’s Day is May 8th this year in the United States. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to show your mother how much you care about her on this holiday. Consider simply bringing her flowers or cooking one of her favorite meals. Even if your mother has passed away, there are still a multitude of ways to celebrate this holiday with love and respect. For example, you could visit her gravesite, donate to a charity in her name or visit a restaurant she used to enjoy.

Celebrating May 21st

May 21st is Armed Forces Day . This day is intended to recognize and celebrate those who currently serve or once served on one of the five American military branches which include the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marines, the U.S. Navy, the U.S Coast Guard, and the U.S. Air Force. There are many ways to celebrate this holiday, whether it be by attending a local parade or visiting a military museum. If you have someone in your life that served or is currently serving in the military, you can take the time to let them know that you care by sending them a card or letter. Even if you don’t know anyone connected to the military, there are plenty of programs that can help you to get in contact with an active-duty soldier or veteran so that you can send a letter their way.

Celebrating May 30th

May 30th is Memorial Day, a day intended to remember those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for the country while serving in the military. Unfortunately, many people forget the true meaning of this holiday and look at it as just a day off work or school to spend barbequing and celebrating the beginning of summer. If you would like to use this holiday as a way to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of American soldiers, there are several things you can do. Some examples include:

  • Visit a cemetery where veterans are buried to pay your respects

  • Hang an American flag outside your home

  • Thank a veteran for their service

  • Show your patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue

  • Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance (a one-minute moment of silence at 3 pm in honor of lives lost)

  • Learn how to properly fold the American flag

  • Support veterans that are still living by volunteering or donating to a charity such as Vehicles for Veterans, The Fisher House Foundation, or Wounded Warriors.

You may feel like you have to wait for a major holiday or your birthday to have a reason to celebrate. In reality, there are so many things worth celebrating every month. Taking the time to recognize these things can give you something positive to look forward to and help you learn to appreciate life to a greater extent. It can even improve your mental health. During May, there are several special days worth celebrating. Some examples include May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. While these might not be holidays that you typically celebrate or think about very much, starting this month you can forge new traditions by taking the time to recognize them. At SokyaHealth, we want to help you reach your peak mental health, including finding reasons to celebrate. Call 866-932-1767 today to learn more.

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