As someone who has experienced generalized anxiety for most of my life, I’ve always understood the importance of a solid mental health routine.
But since becoming a mother and suffering through a severe bout of postpartum depression, I’ve prioritized self-care in an even larger effort to bolster my mood, remain energized & be the best version of myself for my kids.
It’s amazing what a few simple practices can do for the mind, especially when organized on a weekly task list designed for the modern woman with a thousand items on the mental plate.
Let’s dive right in to these 7 Simple Practices for Boosting Mental Health. Don’t forget to download the free printable below!
Motivation
For my Monday focus (because seriously, Mondays are the pits) I like to think motivation, and nothing gets me motivated like setting a goal for myself. Setting goals gives you longterm vision.
It offers purpose, direction and something to achieve and work towards. I’m a huge believer in striving for more and continuous improvement.
To put it plainly, achievement equals confidence. The goal doesn’t have to be anything monumental, but it has to be measurable and attainable. Once you set your goal and visualize it in your mind, write it down. Make it real. Begin planning first steps towards achievement, and use your Mondays to apply yourself towards it.
Self-Care
To be honest, I could go for self-care any day of the week. If you choose just one of these practices to implement in your weekly routine, let it be self-care.
Treat yourself to a pedicure, exfoliate, set aside 20 minutes to meditate. Self-care looks different for everyone, so do what works for you. It’s important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself in order to boost positive feelings and self-esteem.
Digital Detox
This one is probably the most straight forward yet hardest to accomplish, but I promise its worth it. Turn off that phone/television/computer for an evening and go screen free. Read a book, play a game, listen to a podcast.
Picture of Rockitmama Free Mental Health Task List Printable
See below!
Organize/Purge
Free your mind of clutter, quite literally! When the environment around us is chaos, it can be difficult to feel in control.
Pick one item in your house/office/room that needs a good cleanse. Tackle that overflowing junk drawer or delete excess emails in your inbox.
This could also apply to a toxic individual in your life that doesn’t contribute to your happiness and should be kindly removed. Release them. Talk about a mental refresh!
Energize
Everyone energizes in different ways. Maybe its socializing with friends or grabbing some fresh air. Perhaps it’s binge watching the latest Netflix series after a long week at work or catching up on sleep.
Find the best way for you to re-energize for the weekend and make that your focus for Friday.
Health
Saturdays are focused on physical health which we all know, deeply impacts us mentally. I use Saturdays to get my long runs in for exercise, but again it doesn’t have to be that daunting.
Make a healthy meal, meal plan for the week or take a yoga class at the gym.
Focus on yourself physically, and the benefits to the mind will follow.
Gratitude
On long, exhausting, frustrating days with my boys (lets be honest we all have them) there is one thing I lean on to pull me through: Gratitude.
I started practicing intentional gratitude after my first was born in an attempt to ease my anxiety.
Quickly I learned that when I regularly took time to give thanks and share a sense of abundance around me, I attracted a goodness that elevated my mood and carried me through the day.
I encourage journaling these feelings of gratitude to really drill down on the good in your life & to help make it a habit.
