My journey in the lifestyle of minimalism is a tool that allowed me to find what I valued in this life. I assumed this process would reach an ultimate destination, but that proved to be misinformed. The journey continues. It instead opened the door to what it means to live intentionally. One of my major accomplishments this year is completing my master’s in clinical mental health counseling. May is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. If you have not read my previous posts, coping through various struggles to maintain healthy mental health is a consistent value to me. Our mental health, just as our physical health, is extremely important. The ability to connect with others and take control of our lives depends on our emotional, psychological, and cognitive wellbeing.

Emotional health is not taught through primary and secondary academic curriculums. Understanding the functions of our emotions is provided as an option instead of a necessity. Similar to financial literacy. Emotional health gives us the ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health can change over time which is why it’s important to slow down and take inventory of our mental health status. Emotional processing includes the ability to identify one’s emotions, understand the function of emotions, express emotions, interpret the emotions and behaviors of others, regulate emotions, and much more. I will be honest that I stumbled my way through it, but I have found four main actions that help prioritize my wellbeing.

FOUR WAYS TO PRIORITIZE MENTAL HEALTH: 

1. Improve the ability to increase your self-awareness.
2. Be consistent in personalizing coping strategies.
3. Stay attune to your intuition and triggers.
4. Stay active in communities that support the wellbeing of self and others. 

Since prioritizing my mental health, I came to learn of the deficits that prologued confusion and frequent irritability towards myself and others. The last few years involved necessary lifestyle changes to move towards a healthy level of functioning. The specific ways to achieve them will look different for everyone which is why I tend to refrain from making conclusive statements. The main takeaway for me in taking care of my well-being and mental health is that it can not be done alone. A combination of working with a mental health professional, being with supportive people, and living in healthy environments are key ingredients in that journey. 

Community Question:

Do you already prioritize mental health into your daily routine? If so, what coping strategy do you incorporate most?

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