Summer is not only a month for fireworks and barbeques, but also for mental health. We have Mental Health Awareness Month in May and this month we have Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. So naturally, I wanted to take a moment to discuss why mental health matters and should be more than an afterthought. 

Mental health is something we need to prioritize just as much as we do our physical health. As a society, we often overlook the importance of mental health, especially within minority communities. 

Yet minority or not, it is essential to understand that mental health issues affect everyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, social status or gender. By spreading awareness and educating ourselves on the importance of mental health, we help break down the walls that we call stigma. You’ve heard the cliche quote “it’s okay to not be okay,” and tired as it might be, it’s the truth. Seeking help and spreading awareness, even in sharing your story is a sign of strength. 

This summer I took time off for myself, and it’s something I famously have been saying for the past few months. But do you want to know why I took that time?

I felt exhausted, in all senses of the word.

I was giving so much to everything and everyone else, and I had nothing to give myself. It was hard. And what’s worse, is 90% of that extra everything in all of my going above and beyond, it brought me nothing. No extra brownie points or recognition. That’s when I realized what my dad said was true: You need to go where you can grow, and be appreciated. Now if you heard the full conversation, you would know he didn’t just mean professionally. He meant in all facets of my life. And like most parents when giving advice, he was right.

This summer was one where I began a journey of self-love, and more importantly, self–care. I was taking back my power and reclaiming my time. I was being selfish, because when you aren’t, you have no soul. No identity. You resemble a pile of goop…and I don’t mean the cool Gwyneth Paltrow goop. I mean, like silly putty.

It sounds froo-froo and silly but how many times do we hear of someone ending their life at the hands of stress or feeling overwhelmed or burnt out? And when it happens we feel somber for a moment and tell ourselves we will do better at taking care, but then we never do. The CDC reported that “Suicide rates increased 37% between 2000-2018 and decreased 5% between 2018-2020. However, rates nearly returned to their peak in 2021.”

I made a vow to myself to protect myself, and more importantly, listen to myself. So that meant if my body was telling me that I was burnt out, I was going to listen and just reset.

It’s not a “creative spirit” thing. It’s a human thing.

Earlier this year I did a podcast with Dr. Sarah Ashitey, a Board Certified Family Medicine Doctor based out of Dallas. It was candid, helpful and one of my favorites, even if the sound is a little echoe-y. I encourage you to check it out, because it doesn’t overwhelm or judge. It informs you, and more importantly, it supports you. More on that here, and below.

Now to the juicy stuff.

Here are some tips for living stress-free, or as close to it as you possibly can:

1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool to reduce stress and anxiety. Start by setting aside a few minutes every day to practice mindfulness and meditation. I have been doing this, and I will be frank: I thought it was hippie bullshit. But after a year of doing it, let me be the first to tell you that it works. And it’s how I stay grounded. Now some days my mindfulness routine is intense and long, and other days it’s just a few moments to write in my gratitude journal, or read my affirmation diary. There is no wrong way to practice mindfulness.

2. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, running, or dancing. I hate exercise, so for me, even though I don’t do it daily, what works best is when it doesn’t feel like a chore or work. I try to do it naturally: a walk, dancing with friends, pilates with your friend from college. You get my drift.

3. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for maintaining good mental health. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. If you need help falling asleep, I love melatonin gummies. Hers and HUM have the market cornered on gummies that make you feel rested but not drowsy. Shop those right here.

4. Stay connected: Social support is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Connect with friends and family regularly, even if it’s just a phone call or a text.

5. Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help. There’s no shame in asking for help, and it’s a sign of strength to take care of your mental health. Your insurance plan should cover therapy, and sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs. So you might have to try a few therapists out before you find your match.

Let’s work towards creating a society where seeking help for mental health issues is normalized and supported. Take care of your body, inside and out.