Three Keys to Elevating Women’s Mental Health

 
 
 
two old and young women laughing

I wonder if you also find yourself constantly dealing with a constant mental rollercoaster 24/7? Life can be seriously unfair. You know those times when you're feeling on top of the world, and suddenly, bam, life pulls a fast one, and everything's upside down? Yeah, we've all been there. It's like trying to surf in a storm.

At times, it feels like we're trapped in this loop of chaos, continuously flipping upside down. And you know what's astonishing? We often don't even realize it's happening. That's where our star player comes in – awareness.

We chatted about it in the last article – pinpointing the things that throw us off balance is crucial. But, wait, it's not just about recognizing them; it's about figuring out how to level up our mental game.

So, let’s explore three essential keys to elevate and nurture Women’s Mental Health.

Key 1: Mind Awareness

In my practice, as a Psychotherapist, when I'm working with women, the first thing we do is tune into what's going on. How are you feeling? Like, really feeling? And where in your body is it hitting you? Simple questions, right? But trust me, they're trickier than they seem. Most of the time, we're not tuned in because our minds are jumping back and forth between the past and the future, forgetting about the now.

Now, onto the first key – keeping an eye on your thoughts. Our minds are like thought factories, churning out stuff left and right, but how often are we really tuned in?

I find that as women, our minds are like symphony conductors, orchestrating thoughts that race like a river. Take a pause, soak in the fullness of your here and now. Where's your mind wandering as you read this? Embrace the strength of awareness—when your mind is racing, acknowledge it. This simple yet powerful exercise fosters mindfulness, leading you toward a more empowered mental state.

Key 2: Body Awareness

In our odyssey toward mental wellness, let's not forget the sacred vessel that carries us—our bodies. The canvas upon which our emotions paint their hues, body awareness stands as the most challenging yet rewarding facet of mindfulness. So, pause for a second and ask yourself: Where's your body, and how's it doing?

Are your shoulders tense, jaw clenched, or stomach under pressure? Recognizing these physical responses becomes a sacred act. By tuning into your body's subtle signals, a profound connection between mind and body blossoms, offering a deeper understanding of your mental and emotional state.

Key 3: Emotional Awareness.

Lastly, let's explore emotions. Identifying emotions can be a puzzle. When I pop the question to a client, the usual response is a hesitant, "Well, I think I feel this way." That's the opening act. I gently steer the ship towards focusing on the inner compass.

Emotions are a key player in understanding our mental wellness. Picture a scenario like the first day at a new job. Different emotional responses might arise. The trick is to cultivate awareness of this emotional landscape. Ask yourself: What emotion or emotions can I identify? Is it anger or fear? How do I differentiate between feeling sad and melancholic? This understanding opens up a way for you to navigate through your thoughts and emotions, making room for emotional balance.

A Practical Exercise: Your Mental Wellness Journal

To deepen your connection with these keys, here is an exercise you can try to help you to explore wellness and self-discovery. Set alarms three times a day as gentle reminders. When the alarm sounds, take a moment to capture your thoughts, assess your body's sensations, and identify the emotions swirling within. Reflect on the patterns that emerge, gaining profound insights into Yourself!

Embracing Your Unique Journey

Embark on a deeply personal journey, one that encourages curiosity and compassion. Keep in mind, that the goal is not to judge but to cultivate awareness. As women, we adeptly navigate through various roles and responsibilities. Let's conscientiously nurture our mental well-being.

Thank you for joining in on this exploration. For further insights, follow me on Instagram @Luciatherapy.

If any of this information sounds familiar to you, or you would like to work on your mental health, go to the contact section or send me an email at lucia@luciatherapy.com. I will be happy to help you prioritize your mental health.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides informative content and is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health treatment. It is important to consult a qualified mental health professional for personalized advice and support.

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Three Challenges that Affect Women’s Mental Health