11/06/2024
There are so many emotions swirling around us right now. It's easy to get discouraged and angry. Personally, I cannot give another four years of my mental health to this and still be the best businesswoman, wife, and mother that I need to be. I will not yell at the TV about things I cannot control right now. I will not doom scroll social media. I will not argue with people who will never hear me.
But here is what I DO know: In a world of things we cannot control, there are many things we can. We need to be our strongest selves, mentally and physically to help ourselves and help those around us who may need it more than we do.
1. If you do not exercise now, PLEASE start some sort of program. No one is asking you to run a marathon, and there's no one right way to exercise. You can try different types of exercise, such as walking, biking, yoga, running, or strength training. Science shows that exercise will:
* Reduce stress and anxiety
* Improve mood
* Boost self-esteem
* Improve sleep
* Improve mental health and mental clarity.
2. Preserve your mental health. Don't go to family Thanksgiving if you know Uncle Ned will get you all riled up. Find a therapist or a like-minded friend who will be empathetic and supportive. Turn off the TV. Stop listening to people who really don't know any more than you do, but also take a break from people who keep circling the drain, and unintentionally take you down with them.
3. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Make preserving your sleep a priority.
4. Boundaries. Strong ones. Do not be afraid to take breaks from people (esp. family) or things that bring out the worst in you. Be able to recognize when something is not working for your mental health. Stop fighting with people who will NEVER hear you.
Friends, this is not about giving up, but about getting BETTER. Put your oxygen mask on first. We are ALL going to need you.