The Power of Revolutionizing Mental Health Self

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of access to understanding self in accordance with information access, we have opened up new possibilities for achieving personal understanding, community support and guidance, as well as a comprehensive approach to access balance. Push past the bounds of what we know empowerment to look like. Grasp at the available knowledge to pursue greater heights in your sense of wellness. Personal recommendations on how to welcome this in your life? Well, yes! Connect with people, music, nature, ...and self!

Community Connection

Engaging with others through vulnerability and genuine self helps you recognize you are not in a wilderness alone struggling with your challenges, as Brene Brown's Braving the Wilderness depicts. Building alliances with others allows you to gain insight from others so that you may conquer the obstacles in life with ammo! There are people who have been on the same journey as you; therefore, their experiential knowledge is a powerful device to wield so that you will not have to sit in the "depths of despair" (Anne of Green Gables) longer than necessary. Having this significant increase in engagement with others, diminishes the isolation we create as ironclad walls of protection. Accept yourself and allow others to do the same.

Music Matters

Interpretations of the challenges faced will be evident in music, movies, poetry, physical art, plays, and all of the known arts. I personally lean towards music for my collective understanding of self and recognition that I alone am not facing these obstacles. Explore the pain, triumphs, humor, or honesty in lyrics. My personal favorite has always been Bayside. Through the difficulties I have faced, I have used Devotion and Desire to help realize my relationship failure was attributed to someone who just was not honest with what they wanted. Or maybe you are interpreting your struggle with getting over a relationship that you keep trying at, then I would recommend Just Pretend by Bad Omens. Have you possibly made an error in judgment with letting your mind get carried away with you about what the person you have been dating really wanted, whereas I would say check out Shame on Me by Catch Your Breath. It may have nothing to do with romantic connections, but rather trust issues interwoven from those that brought you into the world, which I would say listen to Because of You by Kelly Clarkson. What if you have had some great friendships and relationships, but feel time has altered your connections? I would say maybe listen to Rise Against's Audience of One. If you sense a theme of relationships, you are right on the money! We calculate who we are based on who we are around and how they make us feel. I feel it is important to inspect these relationships and see the value (or lackthereof) they provide to us. Ignoring is dismissive and you've probably had enough people in your life do that, so don't be another person to add to the list. I personally connect with music because I can sing it out, even if I'm out of pitch, then just let things go. Processing is SO important!

The Great Outdoors

A lot can be said about sunshine, fresh air, and scenic landscapes, so I won't be trite. As far as mental health goes, sunlight has the benefit of producing serotonin (the emotional wellbeing natural drug) and melatonin (natural sleep medication production), which will help your sanity in spades. But I'm sure you knew that and you are just stuck in the long dark winters in North Idaho like me! Regardless, nature has the ability of creating homeostasis or balance for mental health. There's something about square rooms that just make us feel imprisoned. Get your brain out of the psychological confines of the prison that keeps you shackled to spiraling, self-defeating thoughts. Get outside. Move. Do Something --- Anything!

I can't say in words how a bike ride to the beach as a kid kept me anchored. Now, I live around lakes and forests, but the effect is just as strong. The allure is powerful, because you can look at all around you, realizing the expectations surround you are pointless in that environment. All that matters is life, beauty, and freedom. We may have to associate with society, but we don't have to immerse ourself to the extreme that we lose sight of a personal mission of happiness. I find nature as a mental reset. I don't care if you go on a walk, a swim, a hike, a run (I must personally admit I hate running... but to each their own). Being in nature, you can cleanse your mind and soul of your parents' expectations, the pressures you face from friends, family, relationships, work, or yourself, and let the negative thoughts carry into the wind.

Personal Insights: Mental Wellness Journaling

One powerful tool that is mental wellness journaling. Keeping a journal allows you to track your thoughts, emotions, and progress throughout your journey. This helps where you've been versus where you are going. By incorporating journaling into your routine, you gain insights into your patterns, triggers, and areas of growth, enhancing the therapeutic process both in and out of sessions. It gives you an opportunity to reflect and improve on yourself. The most important aspect is to be honest! Get in touch with yourself. It's not selfish to be self-reflective. If anything, it is a great way to counter struggles you have with others, because if you are self-aware, then you are better able to pick up on social cues around you.

We invite you to take the next step towards prioritizing your mental wellness. Explore the possibilities of teletherapy with Serenity Psychology and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Let us guide you through life's challenges with compassion, expertise, and understanding.

Remember, your mental health matters. Take the first step today towards a healthier and happier tomorrow by connecting to yourself, others, nature, and art. The healing power is monumental; you just have to be ready to accept it.