LIFE

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, a day initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health, with the goal of spreading mental health awareness. Support for mental health related issues has been increasing in recent years, but it's still important to work towards stopping the stigma. If you're looking for an easy way to get involved on World Mental Health Day, check out this fun virtual walk from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

Image: instagram.com/littleearthlings

In previous years NAMI has organized a 5K walk for communities to join together to raise money, awareness and hope. This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMI is offering a virtual alternative to this fundraiser. The NAMI Walks Your Way virtual 5K walk on World Mental Health Day is the perfect way to participate in your own act of self-care and stand together as a community, even when we're apart. 

Image: instagram.com/avamariedoodles

Signing up is as easy as finding a virtual walk event in a location near you and registering for free. You can participate by walking a 5K around your neighborhood, in a park, or even on your treadmill. Pop in your earbuds, play your favorite playlist and enjoy nature while supporting a great cause. Make sure to share photos and videos of your walk on your favorite social media using the hashtags #NotAlone and #MentalHealthForAll. 

 

 

 

 

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The time has come! We gather together virtually today from coast to coast to celebrate A National Day of Hope. Find a NAMIWalk Your Way virtual event at NAMIWalks.org. #mentalhealthforall #notalone #mhm

A post shared by NAMIWalks (@namiwalks) on May 30, 2020 at 4:20am PDT

This World Mental Health Day, remind yourself and your community that you are not alone. Just the simple act of getting outside and taking a walk is a step towards spreading hope, love and awareness across the nation. 

Tag us in your walk pics on Insta @girlslifemag!

by Abigail Adams | 10/9/2020