5 Self-care activities for pride month in san francisco, curated by a therapist
By Karina Westrick, LPCC
Are you looking for some fresh and fun ways to take care of yourself over the next month? Look no further- each activity on this list offers specific benefits for your mental health and well-being.
Roses in bloom during my June 2024 little mental health walk.
1- Stroll Through Golden Gate Park’s Rose Garden
Pride is peak season for Golden Gate Park’s rose garden, located along JFK Drive at 14th Ave. Immerse yourself in a rainbow of colors and a perfumery of scents. When I visited on June 6th, all the varieties from the Koko Loko to the Ebb Tide were in full bloom. While you’re there, take a moment to explore the nearby redwood grove.
We’ve all seen the “stupid little walk for my stupid little mental health” memes. While the memes may be sarcastic, it’s true that spending time outdoors is linked to increased vitality. Research has shown that visits to green or blue spaces are associated with a higher sense of well-being and lower feelings of mental distress. People who spend more time outside are even less likely to need antidepressants. So, make your way to the park and soak in the natural beauty!
World’s first Pride Flag, on display at the GLBT Museum during my June 2024 visit.
2- Visit the GLBT Museum
Pride Month is a great time to visit the GLBT Historical Society Museum in the Castro. Stimulate your mind at the first museum in the United States dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture. It’s home to the earliest Pride flag, sewn by Gilbert Baker in 1978. When I visited, there was also a special exhibit on erotic resistance. While in the neighborhood, I enjoy shopping at the colorful small businesses.
Museums offer more than just knowledge- they’re also good for mental health. A museum visit can have a calming, restorative effect, lowering subjective feelings of anxiety. Viewing artwork can even have a physiological impact, and is associated with lowered blood pressure. Spend some time wandering through an exhibit and let the immersion soothe your mind.
3- Read a Book by a Queer Author
June Gloom might be real in San Francisco, but those foggy days are perfect for curling up with a good book. The San Francisco Public Library has curated a collection of queer fiction by queer writers of color, available for check-out. You might also read some Lisa Jewell, one of my personal favorite authors. While she is not queer, many of her thrillers feature LGBTQ+ characters, such as The Night She Disappeared.
Reading offers a plethora of benefits for your wellbeing. Not only can it lower stress and reduce muscle tension, but it can also be a healthy form of escapism for times when difficult emotions feel overwhelming. Reading can also benefit your relationships by increasing empathy. So, find a cozy spot and lose yourself in a great story!
4- Join a Community
Pride month is a fantastic time to find your community. The SF LGBT Center is hosting events all month long at various locations throughout the city, including a mental health film festival. And if the party scene isn’t for you, Castro Country Club is presenting sober Pride events, including a celebration and pageant.
Building community is essential for mental health. Since the covid-19 pandemic, many studies have documented the detrimental effects of loneliness, even equating it to the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Conversely, quality friendships are associated with positive mental health and reduced stress. Meeting new people can be challenging, but shared identities and common interests can make it easier. Put yourself out there and see what connections you make!
Yours truly at Fort Mason Farmer’s Market.
5- Go to a Farmer’s Market
San Francisco is home to over half a dozen farmer’s markets. This searchable map can help you find one in your neighborhood. I’m particularly fond of the one at Fort Mason, where you can enjoy your market haul on a pier with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. While the markets run year-round, June brings many treats, such as fresh peaches and corn on the cob.
“Nutritional psychiatry” explores the link between nutrition and mental health. A healthy, plant-forward diet is associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even suicide. Visiting a farmer’s market can be a fun way to discover healthy new foods.
I hope you find these ideas helpful for taking care of yourself during Pride 2024. Amidst all the celebrations, remember to maintain your standard self-care routines, such as journaling and therapy. Here’s to a happy, healthy Pride!