Taking a TimeOUT for Your Emotional Wellness
There are days that I literally have to trick myself into getting out of bed, and sometimes I say forget that and take a mental day. We can’t , however, bury our heads in the sand and hide away from reality, but we can take a moment to reset our goals, feelings, and intentions. We don’t have to slay all the time, we all deserve grace, and black women are usually the ones giving grace. How about we take the love and devotion we give to others and place that love on ourselves. I also struggle with doubts and insecurities, and that is ok, what is not ok is letting all the negativity get the best of us. Emotional Wellness is more than just spa baths and day drinking. Emotional Wellness is a path you create that leads you to the level of peace and happiness you want out of life. So, make your emotional wellness a priority!!
Stay Magical my Beauties,
Shundra
10 Tips for Emotional Healing (Psychology Today)
We experience emotional distress in a variety of ways including sadness, addictions, unproductivity, overeating, and anger. Studies have shown that medications and talk therapy are key to coping with emotional health but what are a few things you can do if these options are not readily available? Here are 10 tips that can help you on your journey to emotional wellness.
1. Be Yourself- This sounds easy right? In the world of “INSTA” this can be difficult sometimes especially if we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. Taking a TimeOUT for your emotional health can help you identify who you truly are. Grounding yourself in your beliefs is critical to being yourself.
2. Invent Yourself- Yes, Yes, and Yes. As black women we are expected to subscribe to this stereotypical being we are supposed to be instead of who we really are. Take a TimeOUT look in the mirror and see you for the first time. Make peace with who you are so that the best of you can come forward and shine.
3. Love and be Loved- Open yourself up to the ideal of love and not just romantic love. To be vulnerable is one of the hardest things in the world to do because there is always a risk of pain, but what if that risk took you to heights unimaginable? Open up your mind and heart to the joy of love and you may just find your healing.
4. Get a Grip- Your thoughts are your thoughts and ignoring them will not make them magically disappear. Journaling is a good place to start, especially if saying your thoughts out loud makes you anxious. Write it down, let it flow, and begin the healing process.
5. Forget the Past- Yes he hurt you! Yes, your parents let you down, now what? You must forgive yourself for your past and let go. You will have thoughts that linger over the past and that is ok. Acknowledge those feelings, determine why you feel that way, and put a plan in place that helps you to cope. We cannot change our past but we can change how we react to the triggers of our past.
6. Flip the Anxiety Switch Off- Honey!! This is a hard one for me. I have terrible anxiety usually centered around failing. I have accomplished a lot for a girl from rural Alabama, but instead of acknowledging this, I tend to focus on what I have not done. This is not healthy at all. To help with anxiety and to calm myself I meditate. Which is, I just sit and usually listen to music that helps me to calm down and rationalize why I am feeling inadequate. Meditation does not have to be this big ordeal, just find a quiet place and chill. Trust me!
7. Make Meaning- Your life means something!!. Find your joy again, which begins with emotional healing. I have experienced so much death in my short years on this earth but instead of sadness I actually found my passion. Embrace everything about yourself to help you find your true self.
8. Let Meaning Trump Mood- On those days when I can’t take a mental day I become my own cheerleader and pump myself up ( in my best Lizzo voice). I may listen to music, or an inspirational message, or even just put on a fun lipstick. Sometimes we may have to compete in mental gymnastics to make it through the day, but acknowledging that you are not in the best mood can sometimes be the best way to overcome that mood. What is your best pick me up?
9. Upgrade Your Personality- Did Beyonce just enter your mind? Yes, I am a big music fan. Sometimes the problem is me and I must deal with me before I can communicate and function appropriately throughout the day. So take a moment and make sure that you are presenting your best self, but if you fall short give yourself grace and start all over again.
10. Deal With Circumstances- Consequences matter and no matter how much we say I can pay the price, the truth maybe a little less so. Everything about you matters and understanding your emotions and how to process those emotions can actually help improve our situations. Make choices that elevate your awareness and help to improve your emotional wellbeing.
Disclaimer- Please consult with your medical provider before incorporating any methods to help with emotional wellness and healing.
