Cynthia Germanotta, Lady Gaga’s mother, has recently written a letter in which she has offered important tips to improve your mental health.
The 66-year-old philanthropist is an advocate for mental health awareness. She is the co-founder and president of the Born This Way Foundation – the initiative that supports the mental health of young people and works with them to create a kinder and braver world.
Apart from offering tips on mental health well-being, Germanotta advised people to promote kindness during this holiday season.
In the letter, she wrote, “Dear Friends, Let’s be honest, it’s been a rough year — for communities across the world, for you, for me, and for so many. Despite the fact that the holidays may feel different this year, I hope that we still find ways to celebrate the giving season through compassion by leaning into our bravery and resilience. We must rely on the things that keep us anchored to this world and encourage us to be kinder to ourselves and others.”
“There are so many ways we can bring this season of joy to others no matter what our definition of giving is,” she added. “My daughter Stefani says, ‘Kindness is a free currency, and we all have it to give.’ Whether it’s a gift wrapped in a big red bow or a simple gesture of kindness and selflessness to remind someone you’re thinking of them, there is no time like the present to show you care.”
Germanotta recommended a few gift ideas this holiday season, which can show kindness, compassion, and lift spirits.
First, she advised looking for digital wellness tools. She wrote, “Remember that it’s OK to not be OK, and it’s also OK to seek support. Give the gift of therapy or digital wellness care through tools like TalkSpace, BetterHelp, Open Counseling, or other affordable mental health care options to yourself or a loved one.”
Second, she suggesting sending appreciation notes. “Sending a note of appreciation, gratitude, or encouragement can go a long way in showing someone you care,” she wrote. “Thoughtful Human provides coupons/codes for therapy with your purchase of a set of cards.”
Third, the entrepreneur advised, “Find, read, and share the inspirational stories found in Born This Way Foundation’s New York Times best-selling book, CHANNEL KINDNESS: Stories of Kindness and Community, which also includes a personal story from my daughter, Stefani.”
She also advised spending some time learning how to be there for your loved ones and practicing gratitude.
“My girls and I have been writing gratitude journals since they were young and it brings me so much joy and comfort to reflect back on what I’ve been thankful for each day,” she said. “You can use any notebook or the notes app on your smartphone to get started. If you can’t access a notebook, find free templates for journals here.”
“As my daughter says, ‘It’s good to make sure that you reward yourself for every single thing that you do because you’re brave every day just for taking a breath, but you’re braver when you try a little harder,’” she added. “Try a little harder with me by taking time every day to show care for yourself and others.” Read the whole letter published in PEOPLE.
