By Jim McCoy, Development and Outreach Director for Las Vegas PRIDE

For years, I have been on a steady path to discovering the incredible value of good mental health for our everyday existence. From simple daily activities, books, and health practices to in-depth courses and life experiences, our mental health should be one of our top personal priorities.

The death of both of my parents within the last 20 months has completely shifted my path of mental clarity and focus. Turning grief into enlightenment to create solace from sorrow is part of my mental clarity process. Allowing the negative to bloom into the positive with healthy results.

I have subscribed to and followed dailyom.com for almost 15 years. It is an incredible resource for transformative wellness. A practice that builds upon your intrinsic health and vitality and uses it to enable you to perpetually transform, evolve, and awaken greater mental/physical health. The mission of Daily OM is to inspire and empower your personal journey to greater wellness, healing, and transformation through holistic courses and resources from leading experts around the world.

I have genuinely enjoyed their daily emails, online studies, and readings.

2025 will definitely be a year of change and challenge for everyone, including our very own QUEER community. Please know that no matter how significant your challenges will be, YOU ARE NOT AND NEVER WILL BE ALONE!

Here are a few easy steps to maintain and improve your mental health as we go forth into the new year.

• Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days, like walking, running, or swimming, which can significantly boost mood.
• Prioritize quality sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Connect with loved ones: Spend time with supportive friends and family and reach out to them when needed.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Try mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to manage stress.
• Engage in enjoyable activities: Dedicate time to hobbies you love, like reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

The World Health Organization also offers these six easy steps to follow for improved mental health.

1. Talk to someone you trust: Talking to someone you trust – whether a friend, a family member, or a colleague – can help. You may feel better if you are able to openly share what you are going through with someone who cares about you. If you live more secluded, you can still stay connected with your loved ones through a video call, phone call, or messaging app.
2. Look after your physical health: Taking care of your physical health helps improve your mental health and well-being. Be active for at least 30 minutes daily, whether that is running, walking, yoga, dancing, cycling, or even gardening. Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Make sure to get enough sleep.
3. Do activities that you enjoy: Try to continue doing the activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable, such as cooking for yourself or your loved ones, playing with your pet, walking in the park, reading a book, or watching a film or TV series. Having a routine with activities that make you feel happy will help you maintain good mental health.
4. Steer away from harmful substances: Do not use harmful substances such as drugs, kava, alcohol, or tobacco to cope with what you are feeling. Though these may seem to help you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse overall. These substances are also dangerous and can put you and those around you at risk of diseases or injuries.
5. Take two minutes to focus on the world around you: Help free yourself of constantly swirling thoughts by reconnecting yourself with where you are at this moment in time. Follow along with the video below, or simply take three slow, deep breaths, feel your feet grounded on the floor, and ask yourself:
   • What are five things I can see?
   • What are four things I can hear?
   • What can I smell?
   • What does it feel like to touch my knees or something else I can reach? How does it feel underneath my fingers?
6. Seek professional help: If you feel like you cannot cope with the stress that you are facing, seek professional help by calling your local mental health helpline or contacting your counselor or doctor. Remember, you are not alone, and there are things you can do to support your emotional well-being.

We are fortunate to have an incredible Las Vegas resource with The Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada – CCCOFSNV.ORG. The Community Counseling Center has been supporting, assisting, and improving the Mental Health of our community in Southern Nevada for over 35 years. Operated by an incredible team of professionals, the CCC is always just a quick email or phone call away.

Remember that no matter how rough the road to good mental health and clarity may seem, there are practices, engagements, and most importantly, people to help you along the way!

Stay Healthy, My Friends!

This article was originally published in the 2025 Winter Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.