Mental HEALTH

Do you ever ask yourself if your mental health is ok? How can we understand good mental health?

Mental health affects your thoughts, emotions, and actions in daily life. It also impacts your ability to handle stress, face challenges, build relationships, and recover from life's difficulties. I am actively working on maintaining my mental well-being. This past year has been challenging for everyone, and many of our daily routines were disrupted, which can set us back. Being very type A, I prefer having a schedule and routine, and when I'm thrown off, my mental health suffers significantly! The worst part is that I don't realize it; I let my mind become cluttered and allow my ego to take over, convincing myself that this is just how life is and how I should go about my day. Yoga was always my way to cope and keep my mental health strong. It opened numerous pathways in my mind, allowing me to navigate my day freely. I managed stress better, and my demeanor was much more light-hearted. In recent months, I haven't been following my yoga routine because studios were closed. I tried practicing at home, but it wasn't the same; I felt the physical benefits, but not the mental ones. Missing my practice led me into a downward spiral, and I felt stuck. My ego took over, running wild with negative thoughts and creating scenarios in my head that didn't even exist. I noticed a pattern in my behavior and finally realized I didn't like what I saw. What I saw wasn't me; it was someone else, and I wanted out! This is where you start anew. You hit the reset button and tell yourself, okay... I fell down, but now it's time to get back up and continue walking through the beautiful journey we call life. I know it won't be easy, but I am a fighter, and I know it's necessary for my mental health. I want to be mentally healthy, with a zest for life, a sense of contentment, and a balance between work, rest, and activity. Having solid mental health doesn't mean you'll never face bad experiences; it just equips you to handle those issues better. There's nothing wrong with the path you choose; whatever your issues, there are steps to improve how you feel, and you can start today! Let's keep reading...

For my mental health journey, it begins with Yoga! I've discovered a studio that offers hot vinyasa, allowing me to resume my routine (Thank you, New York Yoga). Staying active is crucial for mental well-being; it reduces stress, releases endorphins, and provides chemicals that boost mood and energy. After yoga class, I genuinely feel like I'm in a magical state, as if nothing can hinder me. Being active in the community also promotes mindfulness and offers a chance to help others—be a participant! Have you ever considered that your diet might affect your mental health? It does. Caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and fried foods can impact mental health and behavior. Try incorporating foods like nuts, Omega-3, leafy greens, and fresh fruits to see if you notice a difference. I'm excited to restart my journey with these options. Writing to you all supports me, and I hope it helps you too. Maintaining mental health is vital. I'm here to assist and acknowledge my own challenges. None of us are perfect, but if I can help someone feel better, it also benefits me. This is a collective effort; I'm not a Guru who will instantly make you feel perfect. It's a practice—you'll stumble and fall, and that's okay. As I said before, get back up, recognize your mistakes, and continue. I'm always here to help!

MUCH LOVE

XOXO

P.S. below are some great books to read for mental health (my opinion)

The Power of Now

The Untethered Soul

New Earth: Awakening to your Life’s Purpose