Hello my loves! I am so happy to be discussing the subject of mental health on the blog today! You have requested a little more behind the scenes of my day to day routines, what it’s like to run preschool programs, how I put it all together, the works.
But the only way for me to get that all done is to make sure I’m in my strongest and most positive frame of mind and I can attribute all of that to my wellness routines. It’s something I work on every single day but do not usually share as it is more personal.
But you asked for it, so here’s my tips and tricks!
Firstly, establishing a positive wellness routine is crucial for everyone, especially after a year like 2020.
This past year has definitely proven be a tough one for everyone regardless of individual circumstances. We’ve had to encounter situations we never thought we would and learn to cope with those at the drop of a hat.
But it’s not that easy and it never has been.
And before we even get into any tips that will definitely increase your overall mood, it’s quite important to do a mental check in with yourself.
*Why Check In
I’m sure it can sound overly emotional or sensitive to some. Others may even describe it as a bit woo-woo, but it’s not. I always say that if you want to put your best foot forward you have to have your health in check. It’s all in the balance and that balance consists of your physical, emotional, and mental health.
So if you’re not doing your mental health check ins then start.
That’s the first step. Because if you don’t even know why you’re doing something then what’s the point? And what would be your cause for continuing? There wouldn’t be one.
You have to do that mental check in with yourself.
Ask yourself how your feeling (no, I don’t mean out loud unless you want to). Take note of how other people make you feel. Reflect on situations that raise your spirits and others that bring you down. Practice doing that as much as possible. Even if it seems out of your comfort zone. The more you try and practice, the more you’ll start noticing if something is making you feel good or bad, and how you respond to that.
It’s so important to check in on your mental health. Once that becomes a consistent habit you can definitely launch into the list below.
*Wellness Habits and Hacks that will Work For You
Just an FYI, you can do any or all of the items from this list in any order that you prefer. They’re all amazing strategies that I’ve been working on incorporating myself as well. They’ll definitely leave you feeling high vibe and ready to go.
1. Check Your Boundaries
Boundaries are one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. You should work on developing boundaries with your contacts, with your schedule, with your responsibilities, with work, with literally everything.
Boundaries are what provide you the daily protection from negative energy, exhaustion, wasted time, inappropriate behavior, and more.
They are an absolutely excellent tool that will help protect your mental and emotional wellbeing at times when it can be affected.
You 100% need to have boundaries with your family, with your spouse, with your friends, and with your job. These are the people or items that you interact with the most and can cause unnecessary negative energy and friction.
And boundaries are not a negative thing at all! They are a tool that helps you understand the kind of relationship you want to have with others and how those people are to respond to you. Think of it just as a jacket you put on if it’s cold. Nothing negative at all, just a warm layer of coziness.
Also boundaries can be kept very very simple such as…
Not allowing work calls after 6pm.
Telling your kids they need to stay in their own bed at night instead of coming into yours.
Scheduling your own “me time” at the end of the day.
These are just some examples you can use but you get the point.
2. Learn to Say No
This is another amazing habit that I have yet to master actually. I am not a fan of saying no, I don’t like saying no, and I’m not good at saying no.
I usually do anything that my friends or family ask of me because I like to be helpful, which is not a bad thing. But when it begins interfering with my energy or schedule and I’m literally just trying to push things together to get everything done, then it affects how I’m showing up for those tasks or people…and that’s not okay.
I need to practice saying no. And I’m sure you do to. Just think of it as an energy saver so you can focus on that day’s priorities.
And, what I’m learning is that most people do not find it insulting if you say no to something, which is a huge fear of mine. A silly fear for sure.
When someone requests something of you there are only two options, yes and no. So they already know it’s going to be one of those two responses. They’re prepared and most of the time it’s not a big deal or it would have been a bigger conversation.
So becoming comfortable with saying no is a wonderful tool that will help you save your energy for more deadline oriented items, or just save some of your positive energy for the end of the day.
3. Find Space for Yourself
This falls hand in hand with creating boundaries for yourself. Finding space where you can just “be”… without being pushed and pulled, without interaction, without disruption, and just rest.. is literally the best gift you can give yourself.
This does not mean you actually have to be closed in a room resting on your bed. Heck, I make space for myself when I go on my walk and I’m just by myself, taking deep breaths, being alone, recharging but still moving.
Finding space for yourself is important so you can refuel your juices and recharge your batteries. Ideally it will be away from people so you can really focus on what you need.
I try and do this daily if possible. Sometimes it’s not. But the important thing to remember is that everyone can benefit from a little battery boost at some point within all of our busy days and lives.
4. Respect Your Time
This tip plays perfectly into the one above. If you’re finding space for yourself you’re also committing to respecting your own time to do that. I know, I know, easier said than done.
Time is so fleeting, and we’re all getting pulled in 100 directions. But again, you have to put those boundaries in to make time for yourself. There is no reason you should be playing on anyone else’s schedules to the point where it affects your own time to an exhaustive degree.
That is not okay.
Put in the boundary to create the schedule you want… that respects your time… that allows for you to have that space and time for yourself… and if you have to say no to a few things, it’s all going to be okay.
Honestly, I need to tell myself that sentence at least once a day. I really struggle with this when it comes to my own schedule. But it’s a habit I need to practice and I know I’m going to be so much happier and joyful because of it. And I know the people around me want that as well.
It’s all just to move in the right and high vibe direction.
5. Respect Your Decisions
Once you learn to put in your boundaries and start saying no to the smaller things that really don’t need you, it’s then going to be important to respect your own decisions. Do not let someone say something and change your mind. If you’re deciding to do something, especially if that thing is to make sure you’re taking time for yourself, then respect your process of deciding that.
It’s vastly important that you begin showing your own choices the same respect you’re showing everyone else.
If you decide to say no to something, or decide to make that time in your week for your own space, or decide to put this boundary in place then respect that.
And follow through.
Because if you don’t, then the only thing you are showing the other person is that you’re kind of a push over and what you say doesn’t really matter. Why would they respect your decision if you don’t respect your own?
6. Evaluate Your Schedule
This one is pretty easy and to the point. Review your schedule! Make sure you only have the things in there that are really important. Things that fill your cup. Things that you need to get done or put you in the best of moods.
Get rid of all the little tasks that are busy work. That’s just wasting your energy.
Once you do that, then review your list again and see what you can delegate! Delegation is key in conserving your energy too. Something that my type A personality has a hard time doing but is really great for the long run.
This is an absolutely great habit to practice and you can do this in the household and at work.
7. Make Time for Outside
The last are going to be a few items I’m sure you hear and see everywhere but that’s because they really do work and give you immediate gratification. The others above will take a little more time and patience, but these provide results right away.
And the first is to get your tush outside! I never ever thought I needed this more than when we entered lockdown in 2020. I see myself as an extremely introverted person. I am not big on going out or crowds. I’m not a huge fan of loud noisy places or engaging in meaningless small talk. And truth be told, even hanging out with my own friends and family will become exhausting for me after a few hours.
So when the pandemic occurred and we were all required to be at home, I thought I was going to be the happiest little clam. I was so wrong.
I never before knew how important it was to get outside for some fresh air. I mean like really vastly important.
My boyfriend noticed a change in me pretty quickly. My to do lists got bogged down with ridiculous meaningless errands. I could not sit down throughout the day without some anxiety that something needs to get done around the apartment. It was just horrible.
And you know what fixed that? Literally daily walks outside. I never before felt this need to get outside in the fresh air. Not necessarily be around people, the socialization aspect did not impact me, but getting outside in the sun and the fresh air became a crucial part of my wellness routine.
I began by going on walks during my daily lunch break and when I would forgot, my boyfriend would tell me. I’d walk a few miles with my favorite podcast on, take long deep breathes, and really just take that time and space for myself like I mentioned above. And it has become a habit that I really try to incorporate as much as possible.
It calms my thought process, refocuses my energy, and just let’s me find myself in that day again.
8. Get Your Workout In
This tip is probably the most helpful to me and causes an immediate result. One that I have been doing for years.
I absolutely love to work out and move my body. It is one of the best ways to target your physical and mental health together. On top of that it releases your endorphins throughout and post workout, which literally makes you happy!
I mean how can you say no to that? You can’t! Say no to something else that doesn’t benefit your mental health :).
But getting movement in my day is huge. Sometimes if I can’t fit in a workout I will still be moving my body with a walk. It is always the first thing I go to when I’m feeling anxious. It puts me in a good mood even when I’m not stressed, and is always one of the brightest and most favorite times of my day.
I cannot talk enough about how much this helps my mental health. Trust me, people enjoy being around me more if I get my workout in.
So if you’re looking for a quick turn around, an immediate pick me up, this is the habit you need to start today.
9. Seriously, Get Off the Tech
This one is pretty self explanatory so we’re not going to get into it too much here. But it’s very important to make sure that you do get off of you tech as much as possible. Research has shown the negative impact of blue light, the negative result of constant over stimulation by these products, and the anxiety and stress constant notifications cause us or the addiction to apps.
It’s important to spend more time with the people you love (as long as it’s within your boundaries) and doing things in real life. Real life is not on our laptops, phones, or tvs. Let’s all make a conscious decision to get off tech when we can and focus more in the direct real life experiences.
This will definitely fill up your cup more, improve your mood, and really get you living your life again. You got this!
*Summary
Alright friends, I hope you enjoyed that post! I’m so happy to show you guys things that I’m working on or have been working on and things that I know will help you too. I really hope you try any or all of these tips. I can’t express how much they’ve helped me and I’m going to work really hard to continue expanding myself in these ways.
I would love to hear what works you, any tips and tricks you use that aren’t mentioned here, and anything else! I love exploring new wellness tips and habits and can’t wait to see what you share.
And as always, If you have any questions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comments section below with your fellow friends! And definitely subscribe to the newsletter for updates and ongoing happenings at TylekTeaches.com. The subscription link is just at the bottom of this post.
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