Today is World Mental Health Day. A day marked for everyone in the world to talk openly about and bring attention to mental health. When I read or hear those two words “mental health“, I have an immediate feeling of blue dark sadness. Mental health has a predisposition in my mind as bad. Does anyone else feel that way? I don’t know if it’s because I battle my way through anxiety every day and have had periods in my life living through depression. Or, maybe we all feel that little cloud of shame lingering over us when we bring it up. Mental Health.
I feel it doesn’t have to be that way! I’d love to work on my perception a little bit. I think I’d like to focus on the good parts of it. Like how I’ve grown to have very acute awareness of my mental state, feelings and emotions and I really understand the WHY behind them. It’s been a very peaceful part of living with anxiety. Knowing what’s triggering it, why I’m reacting the way I am and how to manage those feelings without getting overwhelmed. I think it’s also why it’s so easy for me to talk about these days!
I have to tell you though, I’m no good at scheduling time off for myself this time of year. But I did this week. WHOA my gosh you guys. I took TWO unplanned days off this week. I turned off my computer, I did ZERO editing, no bookkeeping. I shut it down and I enjoyed my family. I might have also caught up on some dishes, but for the most part I just was. I made breakfast. I spent time and had open conversation with my family members. My husband took me to look through the plant sections at the closest nursery. I just took my time and had a slower paced day with nothing over my head saying get back to work. I needed it so bad. It was because I took those days off, that I slept better, enjoyed my family fully, took care of my mental state and truly let things be, that I came back on Tuesday roaring and able to get SO MUCH DONE. It was much needed. I’m making a point every busy season to schedule time off from now on.
Something I’ve really enjoyed lately that’s helped keep me balanced is still photography related too! I’ve been exploring my garden more often with my macro lens or even my iPhone! I have to breathe calmly so I don’t shake my camera, it’s quiet and I get to explore the light and how it plays on the leaves of my plants at different times of the day. It’s been really enjoyable!
I wanted to invite you to do the same. Especially if your world is in that GO GO GO state too. You deserve to take a day and just be. Just live. Do something for yourself that doesn’t take up all of your brain space. You don’t need my permission to do it, but you might have needed someone to remind you and I hope that’s what you take from this. Breathe. Eat good food, wear something comfortable for a full day, play a board game, order in.
What do you do to instill REST in your life? Do you have go-to activities that help you unplug and refresh?! I’d love to hear what you do! Writing this down and talking about my mental health makes me feel positive, does it feel that way for you?!
This year, World Mental Health Day is focusing on Suicide Prevention. Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide. That’s an alarming rate. Suicide is the leading cause of death world wide for young people ages 15-29 years old. If you or someone you love needs help, talk to someone now. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255
