Mental health has always been a significant part of my wellness journey, even before I named it or fully understood its importance. When I began my career in movement, my motivation was simply to feel better and to help others do the same. Now, as a mother of three, taking care of my mental health is an understood priority. I strive every day to be happy and present for my family, who mean the world to me.
I found myself reflecting, as many do at the start of a new year, and looking forward to 2025, which I hoped would be filled with growth, happiness, and new beginnings. Due to a myriad of things including the fires in LA, I faced more challenging periods with my mental health than I'd like to admit this year. At times I felt so untethered it was like I was floating out at sea. The fires in the Palisades had us evacuated and relocated from both home and school, while everything else was going haywire as well. Through therapy and the unwavering support of my amazing husband, close friends, and family, I've learned that taking care of myself is an act of strength and love—not only for myself but also for those who rely on me.
I hope this resonates with anyone who might be feeling similarly. If you live in LA you were without a doubt affected this year too and are processing your own experience. I want to assure you that you are not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed of. If you struggle with anxiety in general - or due to current circumstances - find it difficult to be present in your most important relationships, have trouble getting out of bed in the mornings, or feel overwhelmed by the many challenges that come your way, the following four tips can serve as the tip of the iceberg for improving your mental health…and there is no better time to start.
Four Things I've Done to Improve My Mental Health: Exercise: 30 minutes of something aerobic that gets your heart rate up, releases emotions, and boosts endorphins. I highly recommend finding something you love…this shouldn't feel like a chore. A few ideas: walking, hiking, running, an interval class (link), boxing (link), weight lifting (link), tennis. This is my lifeline when I'm feeling my worst and the only thing that will help in the moment. Sleep: I find that turning off my lights at the same time every night helps me feel better the next day. Creating a bedtime routine and getting enough sleep reduces stress hormones and allows you to stabilize your mood and cope better the next day. If you have mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, lack of sleep can heighten the feelings or trigger these symptoms. If you didn't read our last blog post there are some tips on how to do have better sleep hygiene here (here). In addition, here is my favorite alarm clock (link) which sets bedtime and wake up routines for you and will give you mediations built in to fall asleep or wake up too. Supplementation: I recently did a consult with a doctor certified in psychiatry and integrative medicine who will recommend both natural supplements as well as medication to her patients, as needed. I've started with a natural supplement protocol, and this is what I am taking in addition to Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Omega 3's. She recommended giving it 2-3 weeks of consistency. Make sure to research the product you are using as not all supplements are the same quality, below are the ones I am trying. I do feel a difference.
Support: Whether it's professional or personal, talk to someone and ask for help. Connecting with others who understand your challenges can reduce the feelings of isolation. I always find even picking up the phone to talk to a close friend takes the edge off.
Remember you deserve to feel strong, balanced, and at peace. I hope these tips help you!
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xo,
Michelle
