Prioritize Your Mental Health
May, recognized as Mental Health Month, is a perfect time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being, especially for women juggling multiple passions. Balancing various roles and interests can be both fulfilling and overwhelming. Amidst these pursuits, prioritizing exercise is crucial. Physical activity boosts physical health and significantly exchanges mental clarity and emotional stability. As we step forward to birthing our vision, incorporating regular exercise into our routines is a powerful way to nurture our mental health and stay grounded and a transformative commitment.
For women, self-care often takes a backseat to other responsibilities, and exercise is one of the first things we tend to put off. Common excuses include lack of time, scheduling difficulty, and finding a convenient moment. However, it's crucial to recognize that physical activity is essential for sustaining the energy and mental resilience needed to pursue multiple passions. I say to those who think they can't fit it into their schedules, "You can't afford to avoid it any longer." Prioritizing exercise is not optional; it's vital for maintaining our well-being and enabling us to thrive in all our endeavors.
Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. By valuing and caring for ourselves, we can better support those around us, creating a ripple effect of positivity and well-being in our communities. One of the ways to ensure regular exercise is through discipline and time management. Incorporating exercise into our daily routine is not just about staying fit; it's about fostering a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. Our mental health needs regular physical activity because exercise is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it boosts our overall energy levels and improves our stamina.
Here are two simple things women can do to ensure they are taken care of their mental health:
Utilize Time Management Strategies: Schedule your mental health breaks and regular exercise routines. I aim to exercise three to four times a week, whether walking the lakefront or enjoying one of my favorite activities: water aerobics. Like many women managing multiple passions, I must ensure I "schedule it" and not allow anyone or anything to get in the way. The message is clear: your mental health is too important not to make time for it, such as shifting the dates and times of some meetings.
Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries: Setting boundaries is crucial. Practice saying no to commitments that overwhelm or distract you from your well-being. Establishing clear boundaries ensures dedicated time for self-care, helping you recharge and stay refreshed and preserve your mental health.
In conclusion, as women with multiple passions, prioritizing mental health is essential for maintaining balance and fulfillment. By incorporating exercise, utilizing effective time management strategies, and prioritizing self-care and boundaries, we nurture our well-being while pursuing our goals. Caring for ourselves isn't selfish; we must thrive personally and professionally. Let's commit together to prioritizing our mental health, ensuring we have the energy and resilience to pursue our passions and positively impact our communities and beyond.
Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson, M.Ed., Mdiv
