The month of May can be so busy and stressful! This time of year can make even the supermoms and the mega-overachievers feel like they’re losing it. It’s no wonder they made May Mental Wellness Awareness Month!
Don’t worry if this is you! Feeling overwhelmed or stressed happens to all of us. You are not alone. This morning I left the house without realizing my sweatpants were on backward… End of the school year activities, band recitals, birthdays, graduations, family coming in from out of town, class picnics, and field days. The list goes on right? On top of all the normal things I already have on my plate, Daisy is graduating high school this week and we are getting ready to send her off to college this fall – so I also have all the emotional stuff going on, too.
Just so you know, I’m right here with you on this! Let’s take some deep breaths together as I offer this as a little reminder: Try to be in the moment and enjoy! Don’t just be planning and working during all of these wonderful little and BIG moments going on around us. Because they go by so fast!
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness and to help you get through the rest of this crazy month, I wanted to share some tips and also offer you a 50% discount on my wellness workshop until May 31st. Even if you are not in a crisis now, it will help you stay healthy, Happy & Strong! Click here to get access to it.
So let’s talk about mental health. Prioritizing our mental wellness is essential for leading a fulfilling life, but it’s equally important to extend support to others who may be struggling. Let’s explore practical steps you can take to support your own mental well-being, as well as ways to help your friends and loved ones who might be facing mental health challenges. Firstly, let’s talk about how to take care of our own mental wellness.
Practice Self-Care
Engaging in self-care activities is vital for maintaining good mental health. Have you taken the time to identify activities that bring you joy and relaxation? Maybe exercising, meditating, reading, or fun ways to unwind. I know you are busy and crushing it, but I can’t stress enough the importance of making time for self-care regularly and allowing yourself moments of rejuvenation and self-reflection.
Nurture Healthy Relationships
Take the time to foster meaningful connections with friends, family, or support groups where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Seek out positive and nurturing relationships that uplift your spirits. If you don’t have a network of supportive and understanding friends, let me know! You can take a look at one of my companies as a fun side hustle for you that has an amazing, positive environment and culture of people who support and lift each other.
Prioritize Stress Management
Oh boy, I’m talking to myself here on this one. Do you have effective strategies for managing stress? This may include practicing deep breathing exercises, engaging in mindfulness or yoga, or seeking professional guidance through therapy or counseling. Find techniques that work for you to reduce stress and promote relaxation, and don’t underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. My favorite class that really helps you get a handle on life, balance, and overcome the overwhelm is my “Streamline Your Life In 7 Days” class. I can’t recommend this one enough. You can find more information on this class above!
Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle
You know I had to include this one. Ensure that your daily routine includes elements of work, rest, fun and family time. It will never be perfect, but at least strive for a healthy balance between professional and personal life, incorporating activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment. A big one is just setting boundaries and managing your time effectively. In your goals and business plan, but sure to include faith or spiritual goals, personal development goals, and family and fitness goals as well. This will help to continuously rebalance you. Having this balanced perspective is essential to maintaining overall well-being.
OK, now let’s chat a little about how to support others.
Create a Safe and Non-Judgmental Space
When someone confides in you about their mental health struggles, provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where they can freely express their feelings. Offer empathy, active listening, and reassurance that THEY ARE NOT ALONE. Validate their experiences and avoid dismissing or minimizing their emotions.
Let’s Educate Ourselves
Since it is Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to challenge you to take the initiative to educate yourself about various mental health conditions and their symptoms. This knowledge will enable you to better understand and support individuals who are struggling. Be aware of available mental health resources and share them with those who might benefit from them.
Offer Emotional Support
Show empathy and compassion towards individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Listen without judgment, and let them know that their feelings are valid. Encourage open communication, but avoid pressuring them to share more than they are comfortable with. Maybe even offer to accompany them to appointments or assist in finding professional help if needed.
Be Mindful of Language
Use language that is respectful and non-stigmatizing when discussing mental health. Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or using derogatory terms. By using inclusive and compassionate language, you contribute to a more understanding and supportive environment.
Supporting mental wellness requires both self-care and compassion towards others.
Let’s embrace the power of empathy, understanding, and self-care. Hang in there, the best is yet to come! Have an awesome rest of May and stay Happy & Strong!
Your Friend,
Jaime