Mental Health Awareness Month

Did you know that Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase the awareness of mental health and wellness in America? Everyday people are finding ways to identify a better strategy to navigate self-care routines that allow them to take back control of their time and their mind and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Culturally, it’s becoming a topic of regular discussion to explore the social and intimate behaviors of people. In the month of May, take the opportunity to discover more about your personal needs. Identify ways of becoming more balanced. Become aware of your thought process and the ideas (good, bad, or indifferent) that use up most of your imagination. Start by observing your daily routine. But, don’t forget diet is everything.

There are a lot of resources that talk about the gut-brain connection. Maintaining a well balanced diet should be viewed as a top priority for everyone. Even with a tight budget there are healthy alternatives, so be open to cooking more at home and when needed substituting more expensive purchases like meat and poultry for fish, fruits and vegetables. Also, consider buying foods that can be used in multiple recipes and create new ways to repurpose any leftovers from breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to avoid food waste. Food for thought, learning how to make your own bread could also be a great benefit.

When necessary do not hesitate to contact a health professional to evaluate your individual needs as it relates to health (like check-ups and screenings) nutrition (what your putting in your body) and sleep (to make sure your allowing yourself enough time to ‘rest and recover’). Also, stick to a plan that is healthy and balanced. Make your emotional health and your physical health a priority by finding supportive groups and educational resources just in case you need to consult with someone other than family and friends. Be sure to also share and discuss mental health awareness month with those close to you.

The Friend Strategy

As we learn new skills, we should focus on the potential of partnerships. Of course, we have our close network of what some refer to as ‘the chosen few’. That select group of ride or die, forever up for whatever people, that accept us in the most familiar form. Yet, if we’re being honest with ourselves there have been moments that make you think it would be a good investment to add a few names to the friends list. The idea is almost cringe worthy but oddly exciting because deep down inside you know it could be achieved. Although there may be a slight feeling of annoyance, anxiousness, and apprehension a good way to overcome those emotions would be to incorporate a strategy to help you meet and cultivate new friendships for potential partnerships (that aren’t romantic). Go beyond the basic catch and release technique. Go big and start making waves to connect with people and focus less on the photo ops. Of course, everyone loves a great memory accompanied by a great photo. So, before you tap, click, or snap your next milestone be sure to tell a joke, collect a few names and exchange information before you go your separate ways. Connect to reflect and be prepared to follow up.

The Friend Strategy:

Make a list: Create a list of qualities you would like to see in the new people you would like to meet. The objective is to become open with people. You don’t have to have everything in common to be present and engage in good conversation.

Avoid overthinking: Don’t be over analytical or judgmental. Be willing to have new experiences within a safe level of comfort that will allow you to explore new perspectives.

Stay away from narcissistic behavior: This statement does not imply that it could be coming from the other people. Make sure you share the floor and add something to the conversation that allows other people to feel seen and heard as well.

Travel: Go to new places to give yourself a new perspective. It’s great to plan an adventure with a crowd or plus one. However, you may also meet them once you arrive unexpectedly.

Smile: A friendly demeanor can go along way. It may feel or seem awkward, just stick with it.

Womans History Month

As we close out Womens History Month it’s important that we create an environment of inclusivity. Women are equally important as their male counterparts. Sometimes the roles may look different but the intent to co-exist, collaborate, and lead are universal. There is more than enough room at the table for everyone to find a chair and take a seat. Creating space for inclusivity takes intentional effort on behalf of facilitators and those looking for roles to amplify their passion, purpose, or participation though out various systems.

Women want equality in the value of freedom. The right to be seen. The right to be heard. The right to make independent decisions. The right to lead with visibility, support, and respect. Women want equity. Consequently, such requests often become misunderstood. However, the best way to bring about any form of clarity to the conversation is to acknowledge that women and men have a unified existence that is codependent and requires constant nurturing on both ends.

Beyond the month of March, we should encourage new conversations. Ignite changes. Create space to hear more and do more to encourage others to become more than allies. We must continue to educate and lead with bravery through passion and love.

The Resilience Mindset

In life we can’t control all the things that happen to us. But we can learn from them. Even if the lessons learned produce moments of isolation or appear on the surface to be regressive, we must hear beyond words and look for the obvious not so subtle indications that change is a natural and organic process that exists and can often supersede our own desires. Life is a cycle of interwoven cycles. One could arguably suggest it’s not our life goals that define us but more so our interactions. At some point we must create peace with ourselves and our human experience even if it seems unfamiliar.

At every intersecting point, our choices have led us to various realizations. But the most freeing experience is remembering our ability to adapt and change. Pushing beyond the self-doubt and overwhelming expectations of past echoing’s create character. Brace yourself for the chance to be more, to do more, to see more, to think more, to ask more of the world around you. We should get to the point where we enjoy every moment. Every win is more desirable when you can honestly look back and say you enjoyed the journey.

Master Your Schedule

We’re all busy and sometimes finding time to unwind with friends and family can be a struggle even though it’s an essential part of weekend activities. Regardless of the task, it takes real mindfulness to meet deadlines and off the clock events. Like the song goes, if i could turn back time…but, we can’t. So, like so many of the high-performance multitaskers around us we must focus on the core of what matters in our individual lives and be intentional with our time in a way that allows us to enjoy the things that matter most. As you become more comfortable with your decision making you may discover that some might be taken back. However, the overall idea is to communicate and reinforce your own needs first. Here are a few basic reminders to help you relax when considering how to best utilize your time.

How to manage your schedule:

1. Master your own schedule. Review your own schedule before committing to engagements.

2. Try using the phrase, “Thank you for thinking of me, I’ll get back to you. Give yourself a moment to reflect on any conflicting appointments.

3. Avoid the unexpected no show. If you were able to confirm (but something changed) reach out and let someone know to avoid severing a great relationship.

4. Be realistic with your time. Just because you’re available doesn't mean you should give up your time. You may want to use that open slot to schedule a private dinner and a nap.

5. Never over book yourself based on someone else's schedule.

There’s no shame in politely declining any social, work, or family engagements. Navigating availability can become a full time job. Yet, when done the right way you reap all the benefits and rewards. Try setting some clear boundaries and structure your week accordingly.