May is a great time to put your well-being first. As National Employee Health and Fitness Month, it’s a reminder to prioritize your health and take advantage of the university resources available to support you along the way.

Here are seven ways to care for yourself in May and beyond:

Make mental health a priority 

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a good reminder to pay attention and take care of your mental and emotional needs. Explore the many resources to support your mind and mood – from confidential online screenings and professional counseling at no charge to presentations and special events:

• Register for the May 28 "Strategies for Mindset Reset in Uncertain Times" webinar. 

• Drop in at Nichols Arboretum on June 3 to experience the "Take a Pause for Well-being" open house event. 

• While at the Arb on June 3, attend the guided "A Breath of Fresh Air" nature experience from 12-12:45 p.m.

Get moving

Our bodies benefit from movement and research shows that prolonged stillness or staying in one posture for long periods of time, can be bad for your health. Take a walk or roll, stretch your muscles or check out these videos featuring simple movements, stretches and exercises that you can do anywhere.

MHealthy also offers in-person MHealthy physical activity classes and dozens of recorded classes in the MHealthy Physical Activity Library on MiVideo. 

Want to increase your physical activity or freshen up your current routine? Schedule a free virtual Movement Consultation. Meet one-on-one with an MHealthy physical activity staff member to discuss possible goals, barriers and creating a personalized movement routine.

Boost your financial know-how 

Financial well-being is an important part of your overall well-being. Managing money can be stressful, often affecting our sleep, physical and emotional health, relationships and performance at work and at home. The MHealthy website includes information, programs and university and national resources to help support your financial well-being year-round. 

The MHealthy Resource Coach Program is also available when life brings unexpected challenges. U-M faculty and staff can meet one-on-one, confidentially, with a Resource Coach who can help you explore options, connect with resources at U-M and in the community and build strategies that support your overall well-being – whether related to food, housing, finances or other essentials.

Prioritize your sleep

Sleep is essential for feeling and performing your best each day. Getting enough quality sleep can help with your mental health, physical health, quality of life and safety. 

According to data from the 2025 annual health questionnaire administered by MHealthy, over 48 percent of U-M employees are at high risk for sleep problems. If sleep has been a challenge for you, MHealthy offers practical tips, resources and programs to help you build healthier sleep habits and feel your best.

Do a skin check

May is also Skin Cancer Awareness Month. More skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined. However, when found and treated early, skin cancer can almost always be cured. Look over your skin, preferably at least once a month. Use these tips and resources to check and protect your skin.

Enjoy a nutritious meal

Enjoying a healthy meal doesn’t have to be boring, time-consuming or expensive. Explore MHealthy’s website to find recipes, free cooking classes, videos and more nutrition-related resources.

Also mark your calendar for the June 2 webinar "Listening to Your Body and Tuning into Hunger and Fullness Cues." Learn how to recognize biological hunger, explore factors affecting feelings of fullness, and get practical steps for mindful eating. Register by June 1. This presentation is part of MHealthy’s new Nourished Mindset Intuitive Eating Webinar Series. 

Check in on your alcohol consumption

With warmer weather comes more opportunities to enjoy time with friends and family at outdoor parties, barbeques or the beach. Sometimes, alcohol is included. As you enjoy the season, remember to check-in with your relationship with alcohol. These resources can help to raise your awareness and practice­­ safer drinking habits.

Become tobacco free

Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your health. May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, which raises awareness about the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. 

If you are thinking about quitting, you don’t have to do it alone. Free counseling through the Tobacco Consultation Service, tobacco cessation medications at zero copay for eligible U-M drug plan members and more resources are available.

Want more ideas?

More health and well-being resources are available on the MHealthy website, the MHealthy Portal and the Well-being at U-M site, which includes university resources that support eight key dimensions of personal well-being.