You Need To Take A Social Media Break...Here's Why

Here's the thing, social media is here to stay. No matter what you think or say, internet platforms are not going anywhere. At least not anytime soon. We have so many founders to thank of that. Although there are benefits to social media, as I am using this platform to share my thoughts. I am certain you find good use of it as well. But is there a thing of too much use of social media? And how does that not only impact OUR mental health, but our children, and the generation that comes after us?

If you are a millennial then you know we were the last group to enjoy those long those summer days outside, only to have our parents fuss at us when we came back in the house. The constant complaint, "you smell like outside, go get in the shower," was something I became accustom to hearing. We partaken in double dutch or watching basketball games from neighborhood teams for bragging rights. Everything now is organized sports and you have to pay at some capacity to participate. We seen the shift from paper to computer real quick, and technology appears to evolve right in front of our eyes. I think many of us have a love hate relationship with technology, but no matter how you slice or dice it, you will eventually be on a platform sharing your thoughts, looking for long lost relatives, or joining some kind of group to help you with some kind of challenge you are facing.

Despite it all, I see the good in social media, but it has its flaws. Just like anything else. The scrolling from one platform to another can cause you to waste so much time doing nothing (Unless you are doing research and to a degree that can be suspect). The unmet expectation can lead one feeling distraught, discouraged, and disinterested in something they think is their passion.

As a mom I sometimes find myself (or I did prior to this) scrolling after midnight when the kids were asleep. I found it as my "me time," but to only notice how I was comparing myself to someone's glam life. Someone's 60 seconds of highlights they posted on social media had me in my feelings to the point I started to give myself the side eye. I was wondering...what am I doing with my life?

Not to mention being a founder of a mental health magazine, producing issues quarterly and helping people display their work on a platform. Those 60 seconds made me feel like I was not doing enough, and that's the issue with social media. At least one of them.

Another thing I found myself doing was the fear of missing out. Don't let a video go viral. It lead me to doing research to find the original content and check out the person who went viral. Check out a few of their videos and become hooked. Causing me to take the eye off of my own path and focus on someone else.

Lastly I was tired a lot. And when I say tired, I mean tiirrreeeedddd! Knowing I have to get up in the morning to go to the gym, just to find myself mid day not being able to function or concentrate due to being so into whatever Tic-Tok video Instagram Reel that I engrossed myself in the night before. Now I know I am not the only one who HAD these challenges. And if you are dealing with them today, I want you to realize that you too can detox from social media.

Detox Anyone?

1. Take social media breaks!

2. Limit your time on social media, allow only a certain amount of time at a time.

3. Do something productive. Allow your attention to go towards that thing you have been putting off.

4. Practice mindfulness, live in the moment. Go outside and get some fresh air...it's free! Even if that means to sit outside for a second, go on a 10 minute walk or a drive.

These steps has helped me and I am certain it will help you. Let me know about your social media journey. Have you done a detox? How long do you find yourself online even when you don't want to be?

I'm curious to know...let's chat below!

3 Ways To Find Good Support

Think about a house the next time you ponder on what support looks like. A house has a foundation, walls, and floors. Those are some of the main things needed for the house to stand. If one thing is missing the house is going to fall. It’s vital to have good support because it helps one go further in life. But some people have a hard time understanding what support looks like, or who in their life provides quality support.

Here’s How To Find Support

1. History: think of the person who has been in your life during key moments. Transitioning moments or any life-changing events. Take a moment to see how they have made you feel during those moments. If it’s good then that’s a person you want to jot down on your support list.

2. Reliability: who do you call when you get good news? Someone you want to share your wins with is someone who may have been around to support you in your life. That person you have in your mind right now, is the person you can consider a part of your support.

3. Vulnerability: this can go both ways. You share your deepest and most intimate moments with someone you trust and can be vulnerable with. And in return, that person has been vulnerable with you.

There may be different friends for different kinds of events that are going on in your life. But I want you to take a moment and write down who fits the three criteria listed above. After you write those names down I want you to think of ways of how they can best support you, if they don’t know how to already. It’s important to get in the habit of telling friends, loved, ones, and supporters how they can best support you, and what signs to look for when you are not feeling your best.

Oftentimes we want to support people the way WE know how or how WE want to be treated. But the way we want to be treated is not the same case for everyone else. I encourage you to call your friends up, those who you know that can best support you, and have a conversation. Discuss how you appreciate them and inform them on how they can best support you when you, this can be in general, when you are not feeling your best, or when you are at your highest high.

These conversations can appear to be overlooked but it’s the best way to sustain support for yourself and vice versa. We can’t assume we know how to support someone, as their needs change over time. By doing this you will find strength in your friendships and gratitude to hear their thoughts in return.

To receive additional support, be sure to check out one of our magazine issues. We have digital and physical copies available. Along with our subscription service.

The more support you receive the better your chances of you being the best version of yourself. So value the time you spend with your loved ones, supporters, and yourself.

Let me know what support looks like for you. Be sure to comment below, I would love to start a conversation!

What's SAD All About?

As you know time rolled back over the weekend, which means it is going to get darker…quicker. I noticed around this time of the year moods can change. The holiday season is now in affect. And we reminisce on memories that may lead us to shedding a few tears. And I am writing to tell you that it’s okay. It’s nice to think of our loved ones and be able to cherish the memories we had with them.

It is also okay to not be in the same mood you were a few weeks back. The year is coming to and end, there are goals you may have obtained, or not. Following a boat load of other things that comes with life. Understand this YOU ARE HUMAN! You have emotions and you are not a robot, so please do not compete with big box companies or even AI at this point.

However those things are typical, but there are things that can be out of the ordinary and even scary for some people who experience a sense of sadness all the time. You know when you are not yourself, and your friends know it too. Listen to your gut and your friends if what they are saying is true. Do not be in denial. The one way you can help yourself is by being true to yourself and seeking the help that you need to pull you out of this space.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Let’s start with a definition: “SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer; this is known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression.” - National Institute of Mental Health

Experiencing Change In Appetite. There’s one thing to go on a diet or some kind of weight loss journey, but there’s another concern when you or someone is not eating or minimizing eating on a consistent level. When I say minimizing I am meaning eating lower than the daily calorie intake. Your thoughts are always on something that is distracting you or causing you to not do the daily things one would typically do.

Social Withdrawal. I understand people take social media breaks, I actually encourage that and think that’s a good way to set up boundaries. But to withdrawal from friends and people who can pour positivity into you, that’s a red flag. Even when you social withdrawal there’s at least one or two persons you stay connected to, whether it’s in a form of text or phone call, there is some kind of communication. If you or someone you know finds themselves disconnecting from life longer than usual, they could be experiencing SAD.

Oversleeping. Now we all like to get our rest, and some days we do not want to get out of bed. Especially during those cold mornings. But at some point you are going to get out of the bed, start your day and something. If you find yourself in the bed with low mood and have no desire to do ANYTHING consistently…then SAD may be creeping at your door.

Difficulty Concentrating. Times like this it’s challenging to stay focus. I feel like we live in a world where we are moving faster than ever. I mean wasn’t it like January yesterday? I don’t know maybe it’s just me. However, if you are having challenges with staying focus and being consistent on minor task, like taking out the trash, washing up, doing dishes, etc. it’s time to have a talk and see where the lack of concentration is stemming from. The insight can be helpful for sure!

Thoughts of Suicide. No one should take this subject lightly. I think we are still in a world where people are afraid to talk about suicide. All because they think someone is going to go along with the plan. However, a thought can lead to an action, and it can be scary having those thoughts in your mind, alone. So if you are thinking about this be sure to reach out for support. Reach out to a close friend and be honest about your thoughts. If you are the friend who has concerns, reach out to that friend and be there, you may not know what to do, however your presence speaks volumes. Check on that friend, go to their house and help them, if their house is a mess, clean up for them. If their children needs to be picked up from school, coordinate that. Help out with the task that needs to be taken care of. Some people can be overwhelmed and do not know how to ask for help. While doing daily tasks for them, find support by contacting a therapist and seeing when their next available appointment is and connect your friend to that provider. Or if it is an emergency call 911 or 988. But be sure to find support and connect!

We all want to live a meaningful life. However life is tough. It does not always go as planned and we do not know how to handle it when life brings us alternatives were were not ready for.

Here’s What I Want You To Do!

Take a moment and write down your feelings for the next week. Pick a time each day and commit that time to write how you feel. Be honest with yourself and also write down why you feel this way. After a week goes by, read your journal entries and see where the pattern lies. It’s quite revealing and when we write our thoughts down, it allows us to process. For some it is a reflection in which can be rewarding in some ways.

If you are having issues receiving support in anyway check out one of our digital magazines or order a subscription and read up on all the support we provide.

Let me know how the activity goes for you in the comments. This can help someone who reads this blog. Let’s end the stigma one issue at a time by talking about it and finding ways to change!

Do Not Live Up To Other's Expectation: Here's Why

Short Answer: because it’s draining living up to other’s expectations.

Here’s the blog…

We can spend a lot of time wondering what others think of us. For some people, their move is determined by the reaction of others. Do you know when we live to appease others we lose a part of ourself? Who and why would you want to live with this stipulation? Life provides so much and when we have the opportunity to be anything we ought to be ourselves.

I want you to be intentional living for you. And I understand it is easy to read something and obtain information but in addition to receiving information, I want to provide action steps for you to engage in RIGHT NOW! If you are living in the mindset of appeasing others, I want you to reevaluate your thoughts and ask yourself, are you really happy thinking this way?

Sometimes our thoughts are unintentional especially when we are scrolling on social media, viewing people on vacation or out living their best life. But remember this…you can do the same thing. And just because someone is living their best life does not mean they are happy.

Get Yourself On The Right Track By Doing This…

Write down YOUR GOALS! I do mean your personal goals. Not what someone else wants you to do, or what other people say you SHOULD DO. Do short term and long term. Start off with the long term goals and work your want to the short term goals. Knowing what you want to do five or ten years from now, will allow you to think of the steps you need to partake in, in order to reach the long term goals.

What makes you happy? Be serious when you answer this question. If you had 72 hours to do whatever you want and did not have to worry about no one but yourself during that time, what would you?

Make time for yourself? How do you do this? The first thing I want you to do for the next couple of days is to write down everything you do from hour to hour. This will allow you to see what exactly you are doing, and if there’s any idle time where you can make time for yourself. It may not be an easy task, but it’s a start in the right direction.

You may have follow up statements like I have no time for myself. In order to make time for yourself you may have to change a few things. If you have children be intentional about making their bedtime early enough for you to be able to spend about 10 minutes alone. It may be challenging enforcing bedtime rules, however it benefits the entire house as a whole.

Delegate task. When you are the person doing all the things, it can be challenging deciphering who should do what. However, when someone helps out and lighten the load it allows you to have more time for you. And if you do not have anyone you can depend on, it’s time to find a circle of friends and people that can support you and vice versa. You do not have to do life alone.

For ways to find a support system dive into one of our magazine issues. We have digital and physical copies available. Also we have self-care tool kits that can help you as you go through your wellness journey.

Let me know how these action steps are helping you live your best life. And remember what people view of you is their problem!

4 Ways To Better Yourself: Change Starts With You!

Change starts with the individual. It’s common for people to say they are going to change the way they eat, exercise more, write the book, etc. It always sounds good but don’t let it stop at talking. Make sure you follow that talk with some action.

We are heading into a new season. Fall has a way of showing us how change can be different yet beautiful at the same time. Depending on where you live, your wardrobe may alter, those sandals at the front door turns into boots and the unconsciousness of grabbing our jackets become common as we make our way out of the door. And just like the season, we change as people, change happens to everyone. Despite what it looks like for you, understand that not everyone will like it, but at some point you have to realize that is their problem and not yours.

So now that we know change is going to happen some may ask how do one change for the better? I say it all starts with thinking, then writing, and lastly making a plan of action. People have over 5,000 thoughts a day and one of those thoughts are typically about your future. How you view things and what you want to change or keep consistent in your life. To make change for the better, write down these things:

1. What makes you want to change (what is your inner voice telling you)

2. The things that make you want to get up in the morning (what are you passionate about)

3. A skill you want to learn, invest how you can obtain that skill (join a class)

4. Dumping (think about bad habits or people you need to disconnect from)

After you write these things down, read it and write down a plan of action. Give yourself a timeline especially if you have more than one interest, skill you want to learn, bad habits to disconnect from, or what you are passionate about. Also be sure to take a minute to hone in on what makes you want to change. It could be a health scare, your children or your environment.

Making change starts with you and sometimes it has a lot to do with who you have in your life. I cannot stress enough on how we should always take a mental note on who we surround ourselves around. To give you additional insight, if someone is causing you to be anxious when you get off the phone, that’s not a good sign. Someone you are around should motivate you and you should be able to be vulnerable with them without being criticized.

Change is ongoing. If you need assistance on learning more about changing and how to change, it’s imperative to connect with one of our magazine issues. Our digital magazine is always a win for those who are on the go. Also check out our support boxes to help you as you navigate this new journey in your life. Change is going to happen, be sure that it’s for the better!

What are your thoughts about change?

Let us know in the comments we would love to have a discussion about it.

This Is How You Check In On Yourself

I talk about mental health….a lot! Practically everyday I am having a conversation with my someone regarding emotions, behaviors, the mental health system, etc. I can go on and on. It often grinds my gears knowing there are people out there who are a ticking time bomb, meaning it’s only a matter of time before they go off, cuss someone out, or have a mental breakdown. Trust me this does not always happen OUT OF NO WHERE!

Many people sadly see a breakdown as attention seeking, whereas I see it as a cry for help. We walk around this earth with so many things on our shoulders, thinking about things we could have done better. reminiscing on things we have no control over, or having anxiety about things we only can imagine. It happens far too often that we build this whole scenario of how we THINK something is going to happen. Especially when we don’t have all the facts in motion. Our mind spirals causing us to become hesitant on some things or to not move at all. That is why it is important to take heed into what you are listening, reading, or watching. Your thoughts feed your mind which alters your actions.

We may not know everything life has to offer but I assure you the importance of understanding the basics of mental health goes a long way. One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to provide self-care and I am not talking about external, but internal. It’s nice to keep up with physical appearance, but you can look your Sunday’s best and still be a complete mess on the inside.

How To Check In On Yourself

You have to do your due diligence in educating yourself because life be life’n and you have to hold yourself accountable. We often tell people to check in on your loved ones, but it’s most important to CHECK IN ON YOURSELF! And Here’s How!

Notice how your mood changes when certain people or around: how do you feel when you get off the phone with someone or when you leave their presence. Are you drained, encouraged or entertained?

Check on how you are feeling after a busy day: recap by checking in on your thoughts, what did you do after the busy day. How are your feeling, how often does these busy days occur, and what can you do to delegate. Ask yourself are you doing too much, if so why (are you avoiding something)? If you provide a service or a product are you being overworked? If so, take a moment to think about what should happen to allocate more time for yourself because you DESERVE TIME.

What does a break look like to you: ask yourself if you had 72 hours to do whatever you want and it does not effect your flow of income, what would you do: write down those thoughts and be in tuned with what you are writing. After you complete the list make a plan to tackle one thing at a time…give yourself grace and all the time that you need, but make it a goal to complete all these activities at some point.

We have to be intentional when it comes to our health: physical, spiritual and mental. It’s vital and it is no one else’s responsibility once we become an adult to make ourselves happy. If this is something you have challenges with I encourage you to check out one of our magazine issues, and do not worry we offer digital versions that you can go back to any time that you want. Let me know how this activity has helped you. Be sure to let me know what you do after a busy day, or what you would do if you had 72 hours of freedom. I am intrigued to hear you response.

We Did Not Have Examples

Millennials are in a space where we are growing our families, creating or living in our careers, and being challenged daily by the internet. All generations are apparently going through this but one thing that is certain, this gentle parenting did not come with any guidance from the older generation!

We want our children to express themselves, be honest with their feelings, and let us know when something is off. Back in the day…whether you agree or not, some families didn’t allow children to express their feelings. We didn’t have jobs or bills so to have the audacity to say how we felt was non existent. It was commonly told to stay in a child’s place. I remember I said something was getting on my nerves and my aunt said I was “too young to have nerves”. I don’t know why that always stuck with me but it did. Ironically, I didn’t have bills at the time, but I had feelings and emotions that sadly no one considered. And now I know that I am not alone.

So for all my millennials who are focusing on gentle parenting but sometimes get frustrated, know that you are not in this by yourself. Sometimes those old ways slip out because we attend to go back to what we are used to even if it’s unhealthy. The yelling may come out or the words like I don’t care about your feelings may blurt out. But even if it comes out before you can catch yourself, remember to regroup and take some space, and apologize because our little ones also deserve respect. And it’s time we normalize that.

3 ways to be vulnerable

1. Identify their feelings: it is sooooo important to show empathy and display understanding to children. Do not dismiss…I repeat do not dismiss their feelings. Showing empathy helps them feel connecting and safe to open up. When you say, I understand what you are going through, inform them on how you understand and be genuine about it.

2. Share stories: when you children open up to you it’s important to do the same. You can do this by sharing childhood stories and life lessons. This will help them learn more about you and come to you when they are faced with challenges. Tell them how things were growing up and the difficulties during your childhood and how you made mistakes as well. Being relatable and having an understanding mindset shows vulnerability.

3. Apologize: saying "I’m sorry” and meaning it goes a long way. Children deserve to hear people apologize to them when they are wrong. We are human and we all make mistakes. But it’s important to hold accountability. We want our children to be accountable and we have to set the example. It’s critical and needed!

It’s hard for us sometimes to think the little person navigating life has a voice. We attend to think we speak for them and WE ARE their voice, in fact, we are to a certain extent. It is our responsibility to have their back and support them but not solely speak FOR THEM. We are guiding and preparing them for their future. What we do now, how we treat them and the things they are going through currently will be their stories and the foundation of their behaviors when they get older. Our voice becomes their consciousness and that’s a big responsibility to have, so we need to use it wisely.

Their mental health matters! We don’t want to raise them up only for them to go to therapy as adults trying to heal from the drama we caused. All because we were in our feelings or felt that we always had to get the last word. It’s challenging living life period, with all the demands and roadblocks we face. However, we have the ability to change our situation, whereas our children do not especially at a young age. They have to live with the decisions we make and still follow rules and listen to what we want or need them to do. We may not have all the answers but showing vulnerability is important and helpful as we set the example for our little ones.

Learning this is helpful and can be a jumpstart to a healthy and healing relationship with your children, students, peers, or anyone! For more tips check out our magazine issues. We have digital and physical copies. Each issue is packed with advice, recommendations, and programs Let me know if this was helpful!

Now It's Your Turn

It’s not uncommon for relationships to go sour or experience miscommunication. But it’s all in what you do about it. I agree that some relationships are seasonal and if it hinders your peace and wellbeing it’s time to cut ties. Ask yourself this question: what involvement do you have in sour relationships? Is it really a misunderstanding or do you carry toxic traits that you are unaware of.

It’s easy to point the finger at someone else but you know the saying: when you point the finger at someone you have 3 pointing back at you.

Let’s Dive Deeper

I want you to read this blog and focus on accountability. There is no shame of being wrong or being corrected. We are all human beings and do not have the answer to everything…and that’s okay! Take a moment and think about a relationship that went sour. Is this common in your life? Do many of your friendships / relationships end up sour and toxic? The end of a relationship may not be totally your fault, but think about what part you played in it.

This month is Mental Health Awareness Month and there are a lot of virtual and in person events for you to engage in. Changing habits and social environments starts with you. Not everyone is open to hearing or even reading this but it’s important. Do a self-check with yourself and get involve with attending an event that discusses mental health. I assure you there will be a lot to learn when it comes to generational trauma, habits, and traits you have and are not aware about.

How To Change For You

1. Search: Facebook Events and EventBrite is a great place to start. In the search bar type mental health events will come up, also any event with this topic will pop up. A lot of events are happening now. But do not worry if you cannot make an event. Reach out to the host of the event and see what other activities they plan to have later in the year.

2. Be in the moment: be present. Engage in conversation, participate in workshops and speak to clinicians and/or ask the question that may come to mind. I strongly encourage you to ask questions or connect with someone at the event to get a better understanding.

3. Implement what you learn: be sure to take the new knowledge with you, use the techniques, write in the journals, read the affirmations and if there is something you do not understand, ask questions. A lot of times we do not implement something because we either don’t understand what is being asked, or the know how.

4. Seek Help: get involve. Don’t just attend but follow up, sign up for support groups, go to other social events even after Mental Health Awareness Month. Be intentional about surrounding yourself with positive people and those who have optimistic mindsets. You have been around negativity and settled in bland relationships for too long. It’s time for a change.

Overall we all must take a look in the mirror and work on something to better ourselves. If you have no idea what you need to focus on, ask close friends and family members and seek their honestly on how you are. They will be the best to provide feedback since they are around you and know your personality better than you yourself. If you happen to have any difficulty coming up with ways to better help yourself. Check out our magazine, our digital fast and easy and our physical copies will be sent to you desire address.

What are some things you worked on in the past and noticed a signifiant change?

Reflect & Reset Can Advance Your Self-Care

I had something totally different to blog about this month but the last two days have been quite interesting. I was driving from the post office and drove past my old apartment. Typically I would ride past and not think anything of it, but I wanted to show my oldest son Micah where I used to live. He looked around the neighborhood and was intrigued by the community pool that has not yet opened, and of course the play ground. After glancing around for a few seconds seeing this area for the firs time, he remained quiet and continued to observe. But for me…it brought back memories.

The actual unit I lived in was vacant. I noticed a maintenance man working on the balcony inside of what was the utility closet. From what I can see it appeared dark inside and I assumed someone must have moved out. I wondered if it was the family who moved in after I did, back in 2013?

Exiting the complex brought a smile to my face. Those few short minutes was monumental for me. I realized I have grown so much since living completely on my own since college. I gave myself a pat on the back. Now if you would’ve told me back then life was going to be okay, I would’ve laughed. I experienced some losses in that apartment but left out gaining a lot of wins. At that time I was single, living in a new state and afraid I would live in that apartment forever. A decade and some change later I have a husband and two boys to share life with. That moment of reflecting I realized was more for myself, versus showing Micah my old neighborhood.

“It’s okay to reflect”

I had to remind myself that reflecting is not always a bad thing. Sure there are moments we don’t want to relive but look where you are now, admire who you have become. It’s pivotal moments that makes us who we are. So on my journey of reflecting I want to share this with you:

1. Visit your old stomping grounds: go past your old high school or any place that helped you become who you are. If you are not in that town, look at some photos from back in the day. I am sure you have some stored somewhere. Or go by your old university, if none of these apply listen to music during that time in your life. Those memories will come back into play. Music always had a way of bringing the past to the forefront, causing laughter and maybe a few tears.

2. Sit in your feelings and journal about it: allow your mind to go wherever, be attentive to what you are thinking about, how are you feeling, are you tensed, do you chuckle? Whatever you are feeling just sit in it, don’t try to rationalize just let your thoughts be. We need that from time to time, (as long as you are not trying to hurt yourself or anyone else). Then write about it, jot down how you are feeling. Sometimes we need that in our lives, it helps us in the future, especially if the thoughts are challenges we’ve overcome. Sometimes those thoughts can bring back memories of worry, doubt, distress, but afterwards, admire where you are today.

3. Motivate yourself and know you have more to do: reflecting helps us see how far we have come. It also motivates us to do more. Remember that time when you didn’t think you would get over the first love, or that first closed door to a career opportunity? Look at you now. Continue to reflect, especially during those quiet moments. By the end of reflecting, write down the next three goals you have for yourself.

How do you reflect? I would love to know. I don’t get many moments to sit in quiet, but when I do I often like to read and practice mindfulness. If you are having any challenges with resources or learning how to navigate your feelings our magazine is a great resource to help you. Check out one of our digital copies today and get started. A digital download may be the first step to getting you closer to better self-care.

I am looking forward to your response.

~Jamie

It's Time To Put You First: Here's How

When was the last time you put yourself first? Honestly, put yourself first without feeling selfish? It’s common to put other things before us, causing us to be last on our list. It happens far too often but I am glad to hear more about self-care at work, home, and even in church. It’s about time we stop chasing the clock or even chasing the “bag” without putting ourselves on the schedule.

Self-care is critical and now more than ever, we hear or even read about what self-care is and how it benefits our life. But it leaves some of us pondering on HOW to do these things, while we understand the benefits and may even tackled into some self-care every now and then, it’s easy to get stuck on the how, resulting in hesitancy or discontinuing our self-care practices.

How can one take off or take a break when they have multiple responsibilities? When work, parenting, and other obligations cannot be put to the side? Whenever we ask these questions it’s hard to figure out the how resulting in an unmet need we set within ourselves. This leads to frustration and can cause one to be overwhelmed. Our bodies need to rest and we MUST listen. If we don’t listen to our bodies at some point our bodies are going to make us listen!

Recently I discussed, Signs You Need To Take A Mental Health Day, it goes into detail of what to look for and when to check in on yourself and put a pause on things that are frustrating you. But how do you take a mental health day? That’s the question I want to answer for you here.

How To Take Your Mental Health Day With Ease

1. Plan: look at your calendar for the next month. Take a good overview of what you have going on. Where you see some gaps, think about what day would be best to fit YOU on the schedule. Add Personal Time to the calendar and put the request in. Take it a step future and look at the following month, continue to do this for the rest of the year. When you schedule yourself on a calendar you can plan around your personal days, versus you planning a personal day around your busy jammed pack schedule. Thank me later!

2. Reach out: this is the time to put pride aside. Asking for help does not make you less of a person. When you reach out, people will find ways to help you, if not then you are not in the right circle of friends, (my personal opinion). If you have children who have places to be, think about carpooling. Talk to a parent, significant other, or a family member about helping with pick ups and drop offs. Hire a sitter, think about a neighbor or a good friend you have that can babysit to lessen the burden of your daily routines.

3. Do it: planning is one thing, but implementing it into your schedule is another. Don’t be the person who plans and don’t act. Make it a priority to put in personal time. Take the moment this week to see how you spend idle time. Are you running around all day or spending time scrolling on Tik-Tok or Instagram? Are their pockets in your days for personal time? Observe every aspect of your life and what you have going on. You will be surprised to see what you do with frivolous time.

We all need a break! At times we get so caught up with work, we forget to take a day off. Plan something fun or don’t plan anything at all. Reset in a positive way is important and something we need to take into consideration. I personally think mental health days should happen every six weeks at the least. If you are having trouble check out our magazine and read articles on what we have to offer, regarding mindfulness, self-care and more! We even offer subscription services to make purchasing less of a worry for you. When you put yourself first, it allows others to receive the best part of you. And most importantly it makes us feels good.

Let me know what are some of the things you like to do during your personal time? Share below, what you may do can inspire someone else to do the same!