| Hi read,
How are you? How was your May? Why do schools and activities pack in so much in this month?!? Even with all the extra stuff, I'm hoping you had a moment of downtime during the long weekend (in the US) before summer kicks off.
On this last day of Mental Health Awareness Month I wanted to give you 5 tips to help you improve your mental health. It's not enough to simply put a spotlight on challenges working mothers face related to mental health. We need actionable tips and ideas to improve our mental health.
Let me start by saying this. When I talk about mental health, I'm referring to your emotional, psychological, and even your social well-being. Your mental health impacts how you feel, think, and engage with those around you. It's integral to how you thrive or struggle as a working mother. It's that important.
OK, so let's get to those tips!
Boundaries matter. It all starts with boundaries. If you don't define and maintain boundaries, everything is more challenging when it comes to mental health. Everything. Be aware of what you're saying yes to!!
Create a mental health tool kit. What people, resources, routines, and habits help you to maintain your mental health? Consider how you set yourself up to deal with the challenges you face, whether the people in your corner, the systems you create, or the resources you tap into. Things like your tribe, the Mompowerment books, and your morning routine. And this is absolutely where a therapist can fit in!
Keep your eyes on your own lane. It's so easy to look at the highlight reel that others share on social media and think you're doing it wrong. Remember, it's a highlight reel. Get ideas, but don't compare. Life is what happens between pictures and those moments are not on social media. While you're at it, if there are accounts that often make you feel less than, it's time to unfollow them.
Manage your stress. I'm a believer of some stress is good but chronic stress or too much stress is not. Figure out what helps you manage the extra stress. If you need ideas for this, I share 10 tips for helping working mamas manage stress in a Mompowerment post.
Share the mental load. Remember that song from Frozen? Yep, do what Elsa says, and "Let it go!" It's time to share the mental load, especially with a significant other and/or with your tribe. Not sure how to take this step if you're often others' go-to person? Check out my interview with Sonia Parekh. She gave me my own aha moment about sharing the mental load when I was writing my second book.
So, what helps you with your mental health? As an employee what types of things is your employer or manager doing to help you feel supported? And I'm always interested in hearing where you're struggling, so let me know if that is the case. This is absolutely a safe space.
Sending so much love and positive energy your way,
Suzanne
PS Trying to get everything labeled for summer camp? Check out my favorite personalized stick-on labels from Mabel's Labels (affinity link)
PPS I'm re-opening the Mompowerment Facebook group. Look out for the official relaunch this summer! Let me know if you have questions.
Please keep in mind that this newsletter does not take the place of reaching out to a mental health professional if you feel that your challenges are interfering with aspects of your life.
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