May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect, reconnect and reimagine what wellness means for ourselves and our communities.

Today, many individuals and families in the region are facing heightened stress and economic difficulties, coupled with anticipated potential reductions to mental health services. Supporting emotional well-being has never been more urgent. These challenges disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, making it essential to prioritize mental health as a public health necessity.

Fortunately, each of us can apply practical tools to enhance individual and community mental health and well-being. One source of inspiration is the Power 9® principles from the Blue Zones: nine evidence-based lifestyle habits shared by the world’s longest-living and healthiest populations.

Strong physical health contributes to positive mental health, and the Power 9 offers a valuable blueprint for supporting both.

These simple daily practices can help reduce stress, boost emotional resilience and foster a deeper sense of purpose and connection, regardless of where you live or the challenges you face.

Here are a few of the Power 9 principles that can support mental well-being:

🚶🏽‍♀️Move Naturally: You don’t need a gym to improve your mood. Daily walks, gardening or even dancing in your kitchen can elevate your spirits and clear your mind.

🧘‍♀️ Downshift: Take time to pause. Whether through prayer, meditation, deep breathing or quiet reflection, slowing down can reduce stress and nurture inner calm.

🥗 Eating Naturally: By trading processed or sugary snacks for fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts, you can boost your mood and improve concentration.

👩🏿‍🤝‍👩🏽 Right Tribe: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Strong social connections are one of the most significant predictors of mental wellness.

🎯 Purpose: Understanding your “why” gives you direction and resilience, especially during challenging times.

Many community-based organizations either provide these practices to the populations they serve or are in a great position to begin to implement and increase awareness of these principles to improve mental health and wellness for their communities.

You can learn more about how to implement these principles in your organization and community by attending local Riverside County Blue Zone Projects’ community kick-off events happening in the coming weeks in Riverside, Mead Valley, Banning and Palm Springs.

This month, let’s not just raise awareness; let’s actively cultivate rest and belonging in our daily lives. Together, we can build communities where mental wellness thrives—even amidst uncertainty.