Talking about mental health and wellness in general is something I really enjoy because I want to open up the door for more conversation on the topic, however, it can be slightly nerve-wracking because everyone’s experiences are different and it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. So just know that whenever I share my thoughts on mental health, that it’s just that – my thoughts, my experiences. If yours are different that is ok and definitely valid!!

For me personally, I have some go-to’s when it comes to things I do to support my mental health. This list isn’t exhaustive but it is a look at what works for me whenever I’m feeling run down, anxious, closing in on burnout, etc. I hope it’s helpful in some small way, or at the very least lets you know that there are action steps you can take to help you get back to being you.

Sleep 8+ Hours

No surprise here- sleep is one of the absolute best ways to take care of yourself and the ultimate medicine, IMO. If you’re not getting enough of it, chances are the rest of your day will be thrown off. Whenever I’m feeling not quite myself it’s the first thing I check in on to make sure I’m getting at least eight hours.

PS- this usually means committing to going to bed earlier, not waking up later (which can sometimes lead to more stress) :/

Quiet Time in the Morning

Starting my day without technology/screens is one of the best tweaks I’ve made to my routine. I can’t say I do it every single day, but when I know I need a bit more care, I make it a priority.

Read

I love a good book and I’ve learned that carving out time to read makes me sooo much happier than when I go weeks without it. I try to carve out time in the morning while I’m still in no-tech mode. I love self-development type books, but when I’m really looking for a mental escape, fiction is the best and most satisfying/fun.

Exercise for an Hour a Day

Movement is absolutely crucial for me if I want to have a good day. It gets the endorphins flowing ⁣and keeps me feeling balanced and in a forward motion for whatever I have ahead… Even if it’s not a crazy hard workout – a walk, some lightweight training – anything to get some movement in! You’ll never regret this after the fact.

Respond to Non-Time Sensitive, Non-Work Related Messages When I Can

I hate leaving people hanging and always try to respond to all work-related and social media-related inquiries when I can, but getting back to everyone is just simply impossible. So I’ve just accepted that. That said, I love chatting with you guys and interacting with my community is very important to me and always gives me joy.

Get a Massage

Need I say more on this one? If massage isn’t part of your wellness/mental health routine, I suggest adding one every so often, just whenever you can- and ASAP!

Try to Not Let Work Spill Into Nighttime

Having boundaries for personal/family time is non-negotiable for me. When I let work take over all of my nights, that’s when I start getting drained and into an unhealthy mindset. Yes with my business, sometimes this is unavoidable- but I use my best judgment on which things can wait a few hours (or overnight) and which things cannot. Do not fall trap to people that thrive on preying on your precious time.

Don’t Overbook My Social Calendar

I’m actually great at saying NO. I have to remind myself that I shouldn’t feel guilted or pressured to fill up open spaces on my calendar with social events or appointments. Time for myself to recharge and just be home is essential for me to operate at and feel my best, so sometimes you just have to say “Sorry- I’d love to but I can’t make it!”. End of story.

Care Less About What Other People Think

I love that quote that goes something like “What other people think about you is none of your business.” This is sometimes hard to actually embody all of the time, but it’s sooo true. You’re never going to be everyone’s cup of tea no matter how awesome that sounds, so the sooner you start living for yourself and not because you want people to see you a certain way or because you want acceptance from someone, the more peace you’ll have… If you’re the type of person that doesn’t like to “annoy” or ruffle feathers, or gets embarrassed easily (like me lol)- I feel you. But life is way easier the more you try to care less about those things. 

Let me know if you guys want to hear more on mental health and I’ll put together some ideas. Maybe a list of books I’ve loved that feed into this topic or podcasts/resources that have taught me a lot over the years?

xx Farrah