Chill Out! It’s Mental Health Awareness Month!

I know you hear it all the time. You can take time for yourself by journaling, taking walks, and breathing, to name a few. I can imagine how some of us feel it’s not that easy, but truth be told, the chatter is true: when we commit time and attention to our well-being, working on positive habits becomes easier over time, just like with anything we set our mind to. Doing the challenging work to be more peaceful helps us laugh a little more and create space to learn how to shut the world out. It can seem like a chore, selfish, or unobtainable, but this is untrue. I remember being in a space and time where I thought all of it was the woo-woo experiments. Still, when I began investing in myself, committed to myself, and dedicated myself to consistently putting my gas mask on, I experienced a more positive mindset in so many ways. Over time, I embraced that there will always be things going on in our lives-the children, our family, friends, household chores, and work. Nevertheless, if we do not take time to rebuild our broken or bruised pieces, the truth is they do not go away. They linger in our minds and bodies until we do, causing harm overall and over time.

During this Mental Health Awareness Month, start small.

I challenge you to take one or all of these self-rescue tips and commit to doing them for one week; you only know once you dedicate intentional time to figure YOU out. You may find a tool to add or begin your awareness toolkit for yourself and grow from there. Just know that increasing your self-care time helps us take control of our lives and grow beyond the broken or broken pieces that can feel like traps. On the other hand, if you have other options that work, by all means, do them!

As survivors, many times, we live in anxiety, stress, or other harmful emotions and feel as if we cannot find a way out for our daily comfort, and you know, something else – I have been there. I want you to know the way to overcome the uneasiness is to go straight through and give yourself the time needed to look at that mountain of disconnect and all the things we think are stopping us from pouring into ourselves and just begin…

Will you do it?

Before I go, here are some essential tips that can get your creativity going and add to your self-wellness toolkit or get you started on your way.

Tips for a Calmer, Happier You!

  1. Let Yesterday Go:
    • Try journaling: Write down any worries or concerns from the previous day, then physically tear up or burn the paper as a symbolic gesture of letting go.
    • Practice mindfulness meditation: Spend a few minutes focusing on your breath and letting go of thoughts about the past or future. If needed, you can use apps like Headspace or Calm to help you.
  1. Get Your Zen On:
    • Engage in a creative hobby: Whether painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument, immersing yourself in a creative activity can be incredibly therapeutic.
    • Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors, whether walking in the park, hiking a trail, or sitting in your backyard. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you to fully experience the present moment.
  1. Treat Yo’ Self:
    • Create a self-care routine: Set aside time each day for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or practicing yoga.
    • Plan a special outing: Treat yourself to something you enjoy, whether a solo trip to your favorite coffee shop, a movie night at home with popcorn and your favorite film, or a spa day with massages and facials.

Remember, self-care looks different for everyone, so feel free to customize these suggestions to fit your preferences and needs. The most important thing is prioritizing your well-being and giving yourself the love and care you deserve. “Survivors are not defined by the challenges we face but by the bravery we summon to overcome them. In the journey towards self-care and resilience, each step forward is a testament to our spirit within. Let’s embrace our power to thrive, finding solace in moments of calm and courage in adversity by using our voices to create the change we want to see in the world. Together, we rise, resilient and unbroken.” XOXO – Surviving, Thriving and Conquering Gigi McMillan – Founder, Purple Runway