Happy Girl on the Rise Wednesday!

This week's newsletter is a 7-minute read (1,256 words).

This week’s affirmation is:

I deserve to rest and take care of myself and my mental health.

Dear Girl on the Rise,

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to use this week’s newsletter to have a real conversation about mental health. It’s a topic that’s important to me - one that I personally deal with - and one that I think is important to talk about with others.

We’re living in a world that never slows down. Hustle culture is real! We’re supposed to be more, do more, and achieve more. And it gets really hard to keep up with that standard.

I’ve fallen victim to hustle culture many times, especially when I started my personal growth journey. I’ve been open in the past that I am extremely ambitious, and though that’s not inherently bad, when it’s combined with low patience, it becomes a fast path to burnout.

I’ve talked to so many women who struggle with their mental health, but are afraid to talk about it. They’re afraid of being judged. They’re afraid of being ostracized. They’re afraid that their pain isn’t worthy of being heard.

But that shouldn’t be the case! We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about something that 1) affects so many people, and 2) is so vital to living a quality life.

But that’s the stigma of mental health. And while there is a lot of amazing work being done to reduce the stigma, unfortunately, it still exists.

So I hope that maybe by having this real conversation with you, you’ll have a real conversation with someone else, and we’ll be able to activate the ripple effect. Small things can do big things, especially when they are repeated over time.

Why Mental Health Matters…

Your mental health is the foundation of everything.

It affects:

• how you think,

• how you show up in relationships,

• how you chase your goals,

• how you recover from setbacks

• how you talk to yourself

• and SO MUCH MORE.

When your mental health is struggling, everything else in your life just feels heavier. The things you used to enjoy make you less enthused, and the world just looks more grey.

But life is meant to be experienced in full HD color. That’s why prioritizing your mental health is essential.

And if the thought of “prioritizing mental health = weakness” pops into your mind, let me say that taking care of your mental health DOES NOT make you weak. It’s actually the strongest and bravest thing you could ever do, and it’s one of the highest acts of self-love.

Simple Ways to Take a Mental Health Break

Personally, I incorporate mental health care into my everyday routine. If I don’t, I find myself slipping into dark places pretty fast. And truth be told, everything I do is pretty simple. As I said, small things can do big things.

So here are some quick and simple ways to prioritize your mental health.

1) Take a technology break - Doom scrolling can really take its toll. Try putting the phone away, closing the laptop, and turning off the TV. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference.

2) Sit in silence for a bit - The first few minutes might seem like they’re boring, but once you settle in, the silence can be refreshing.

3) Write it out - Journaling saved my life. The blank page holds the pain that’s in your heart like few things can.

4) Move your body - Stretch, walk, do breath work, workout, run. It doesn’t matter how you move your body, just move your body. Movement is one of the most powerful medicines.

5) Spend time in nature - Mother Nature is very grounding. Fresh air, sunshine, and greenery can do a lot of really good things for your mental health.

6) Express your boundaries - Don’t be ashamed to say “no” or stand up for yourself. You have to protect your energy unapologetically.

Remember…

This is a tough one, but remember that you don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to apologize for needing some space and time. You don’t have to explain yourself. You’re human (a pretty great one, too). And like the rest of this world, you’re trying to figure yourself and life out one day at a time.

Your mental health is the foundational building block of your life. And you are never wrong for prioritizing taking care of yourself.

You’re also not wrong for having bad days, months, or even years. Low points don’t make you any less of a human being. An arrow has to be pulled back to shoot forward.

You’re worthy of a life that you experience in full HD color!

My Gift to You this Month

To help support you this month, I’m giving away my Self-Care Planner for FREE! You can choose between plant-themed and simple-themed (attached below).

It’s a digital download filled with journaling prompts, reflection space, self-care tips and ideas, trackers, mental health check-ins, and more. It’s perfect for building habits that support your well-being and positive mental health.

My only ask in return is that you have a vulnerable conversation with someone else and let them know that they’re not alone if they’re struggling with their mental health.

Also, my book, She Will Rise, is 50% OFF for the entire month. One of the main reasons I wrote and published this book was to help those who were afraid to raise their hands and let the world know that they need some help. I truly believe that when you show people they’re not alone in their hurt, you help them begin to heal.

So remember, you are seen, you are loved, you are worthy!

Until next time, keep going and keep growing.

Coach Tay

P.S. If you’re feeling stuck in old narratives and craving a life that finally feels like yours, I’ve got space for new 1:1 coaching clients this spring. My 3-month transformation program is designed to help you get crystal clear on your identity, goals, and give you the mindset tools to fully own your next chapter. Let’s work together to rewrite your story - powerfully and on purpose!

Book your free discovery call here: https://forms.gle/kfnFqrKGBXZhbk1XA

1. Ready to change your life? Gain clarity and confidence and become a bona fide badass. With me as your coach, we’ll work one-on-one to transform your mindset and overhaul your life so that you can rise and create and live a life you love. Jump on a free discovery call with me and let’s talk! Start HERE!

2. Want guides and planners to help you on your journey? Self-care planners, goal-setting planners, vision boarding ebooks, and workbooks, and so much more are available in my Etsy shop RiseStrongerCo. It’s the place to go to find resources to help you take control of your growth so that you can get your sh*t together and create a life you love. Visit HERE!

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