Navigating life while feeling like you’re not in the right headspace, will surely affect your everyday life and moments. I’ve had moments where postpartum depression, new life experiences and my environment affected my mental health in the worst way possible, not realizing at the time that it didn’t just affect my mental health, but it influenced how I responded to certain situations and how I managed my everyday living. Your mental health is truly a reflection of what your life feels and may even look like on the outside. I felt overwhelmed, irritable, exhausted, frustrated and melancholy. These feelings became consistent, like a new normal. I began to see and feel a huge difference within myself, and I didn’t like it. Different techniques, tools and resources have helped me prioritize my mental health and overall wellness.
Try these techniques if you want to influence a balanced, healthy (in all aspects) and happy life for you and your children:
Practicing mindful breathing.
It’s simply settling into a relaxed focus, becoming in tune/aware of every single breath you take, in and out. Feeling the air going in through your nose, into your body, and back out your nose. It’s helped me tremendously with developing a stronger sense of calmness and focus.
Practice taking a seat in stillness.
The idea of taking a seat in stillness is saying “no” to our always-on-the-go / fast-paced way of life. To simply just be, without rush or urgency.
Practice better lifestyle habits.
Eat cleaner, keep yourself physically active, stay hydrated, limit alcohol, and limit your screen time in exchange for being outdoors, enjoying nature and getting enough sleep.
Try these self-soothing hacks if you want to practice more self-care / love:
Create a playlist.
Have a playlist on deck that feels good to your soul, something that instantly puts you in a better mood / good spirits.
Workout.
There is a strong connection between physical movement/ activity and positive mental health. Working out improves your brain health, boosts your mood and mental clarity, reduces stress, and helps stimulate rest and relaxation.
Self-care your own way.
Whatever this means to you! For me, getting a good night’s sleep, going to a pilates class, enjoying a warm bubble bath, taking a