Why prioritizing your mental health is more important than you think
This article shares Tribe Member Hannah’s honest reflections on mental health, letting go of unachievable perfectionism, and finding strength through community support during difficult life seasons.
Takeaways:
Chasing perfectionism is unachievable and creates unnecessary emotional strain during times of stress.
True strength comes from leaning on your support network before reaching a crisis point.
Going to therapy should be normalized as an ongoing tool for well-being, even when life feels fine.
Practicing daily self-compassion and setting boundaries with negative relationships helps protect your peace.
I missed Mental Health Day by a few, but it got me thinking about mental health & life in general..
This year has put us all through the wringer & if you would’ve told me that I (& literally everyone on this planet) would endure half of the things 2020 has put me through, I would’ve never believed you. I’ve struggled with being transparent on social media, but vulnerability is important and something I’m working on (!!!) and I felt the urge to share my random thoughts.
How do you stop putting your mental health on the back burner?
I’ve always been the type of person to put my mental health on the back burner until everything comes to the surface and I’m forced to confront it.
This year I’ve really come to accept that we all have flaws and vulnerabilities, and embracing them is the only way to live—chasing perfection is unachievable and no person who is worth being in your life should expect that from you.
There is strength in leaning on those around us for support and guidance, even before shit hits the fan. I've learned to give myself grace through dark times—you're not alone and I promise you that there are countless people who love and care about you more than you know.
Committing to growing from tough situations and seasons of our lives is challenging when it seems like there's no light at the end of the tunnel, but I promise you there is.
What daily habits support your emotional well-being?
To take care of your mind and body when life feels overwhelming, try implementing these supportive practices:
Eat food that makes you feel good.
Normalize going to therapy, even when life is great.
Move your body and do more yoga.
Practice empathy and don’t take things personally.
Spend time with people who value you and make you feel good.
Make peace with letting go of those who don’t.
Everything in life is fleeting & it’s SO important to practice gratitude for the people and things in our lives that bring us joy—never miss an opportunity to tell someone you care about them.
You can also explore practical tools like controlled deep breathing for anxiety to ground yourself during stressful days.
Most of all—know you’re never alone and everyone is fighting their own silent battles every single day. Be nice. <3
Thank you for coming to my random Ted Talk.
xx HANNAH, A SHAY'S WARRIORS TRIBE MEMBER
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Prioritizing your mental health is vital, and having a safe space to share your journey makes all the difference. Connect with people who listen without judgment. Connect with our virtual and in-person survivor support groups today.