Picturing your Mental Health: Beyond Academic Achievements to Holistic Success
As I look back my college graduation, where I'm proudly holding my Summa Cum Laude certificate with the best honors thesis of my class, it's hard to believe that beneath that success, I was struggling. At that moment, despite the accolades, I was neglecting my mental and physical health. Now, at 32, I've learned invaluable lessons about the importance of maintaining overall well-being for sustained career success.
Over the past decade, my journey of personal growth has taught me that everyone must find their unique way to achieve balance. Here, I want to share some practices that have significantly nurtured my self-care:
Gratitude: Every day, I make it a point to appreciate the small joys. This simple practice helps put my entire life into perspective, reminding me of the blessings I have.
Community Engagement: Joining other women in my area for Bible study has been wonderful. It's a powerful way to connect and share with my neighbors, strengthening our community fabric.
Family First: Motherhood has been the most profound role of my life. I cherish every moment with my daughter, Florence, and prioritize our time together above all else.
Sobriety: While moderation works for some, I've found that eliminating alcohol entirely suits me best, and it has been a liberating decision.
Spiritual Growth: My spiritual journey is deeply personal and constantly evolving, shaping who I am and my outlook on life.
Reading: Lately, I can't get enough of non-fiction books about World War II. Reading not only broadens my knowledge but also gives me new perspectives on the challenges and complexities of life.
Gardening: There's something incredibly satisfying about tending to my garden. Growing my own fruits and vegetables is thrilling, especially when it comes time to harvest.
Keeping Relationships Strong: I make regular time to catch up with my parents, grandmothers, and sister, ensuring that our family bonds remain strong despite our busy lives.
Meditation: To calm my mind, I practice envisioning my thoughts as a flowing river, allowing them to drift by gently, which brings a profound sense of peace.
Healthy Eating: Adopting a Keto diet has transformed my eating habits and surprisingly helped reduce my food delivery expenses.
Exercise: Balancing time with Florence and my career makes it challenging to find time for exercise, but I strive for 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Achieving career success is about much more than professional achievements. It requires a balanced approach to all life's aspects, making health and well-being a priority. This comprehensive approach not only improves your quality of life but also enhances your professional performance.
I’m eager to connect with others on this topic—what does your self-care routine look like? How do you maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life? Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
]
