Mindset Matters

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! By now we are aware that our mind is a powerful thing, it can either build us up, or keep us stuck in a mindset that does nothing for our self-esteem or growth. For a healthy mental headspace there are 5 things that I do on a daily to weekly basis.

 

Weekly Devotional

The beginning of every week I work on my weekly “Prayer Journal For Women,” by Shannon Roberts. The journal begins with focusing on gratitude, acknowledging the highlights of the week, identifying areas where I can grow, followed by a scripture, and concludes with a question that prompts reflection. You can’t change what you are unaware of, so this weekly journal of acknowledgment and reflection allows me to recognize where change is needed, and appreciate the areas where I have grown.

 

Daily Read

I start my day reading, whether it’s a full chapter or a couple of pages to help keep me focused on the day ahead. The current book I am reading is, “Power Moves,” by Sarah Jakes Roberts. I am on chapter 5 and I really like how she uses her testimony to help others. She talks about how different systems within our life impact us and deplete the power that we once had, but also teaches us how to get it back. Sarah describes situations that may cause us to lose some of our power, while also highlighting ways for us to gain our power back through authenticity, which assists in aligning us with our purpose. If we do not allow our authenticity to come out, we are going to continue to block our blessings. At the end of each chapter, she has a section called “Flip the Switch,” where you complete an activity to help you process and move through any feelings that may have come up after reading the chapter, and then it ends with a prayer.

 

Weekly Podcasts

I watch the “Jay Shetty” podcast where he has guests from celebrities to psychologists that come on to discuss their personal life, and discuss topics such as, mental health, what has been impactful in their life, and steps that they have personally taken to improve their wellbeing. I watch the “Is It Tuesday” podcast with Cris Cavalari, she talks about relationships, life challenges, transitions, self-discovery, and growth! Pretty much everything under the sun, and she often covers an array of topics. Podcasts are a nice change of pace that fill me with extra insight, and knowledge.

 

Self-Talk

The words we use are so powerful, how we speak about situations and how we speak about ourselves. So I’ve been really intentional with the words I use and with where I focus my attention. I’ve even been complaining less, because I’m trying to fill my mind and my energy with more positivity. Now, don’t get me wrong if something upsets me I allow that emotion to come up, but I don’t stay in it. Acknowledge, validate, and release because we cannot move through the day with our heart and mind tainted.

 

Move My Body

I love to dance and when I dance I don’t think about anything else that’s going on, it’s just pure fun and fills me with joy. The other thing I do to move my body is walk the beach, the water always calms me and centers my mind. It’s a mental reset for me.

 

Mental wellness is important. Our mind, our body, and our soul all need to be tended to in order for us to live healthy, joyful lives. Move with intention, acknowledge the areas where you flourish, and acknowledge the areas where you still need to grow. You are amazing, you’re growing and life is getting good! Wishing you all a beautiful rest of May!

Muah,

Gabrielle