Whether you are raising kids, running businesses, keeping up with household demands, or all of the above, it’s really easy to forget about making yourself and your mental health a priority. 

And it’s really true what they say, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” 

So if you’re running low on steam and your cup has been empty for far too long, it’s time you took a little time for yourself. 

I have a few things that I put into practice every time I feel like I need to reset and refocus on myself. Give them a try and get intentional about making them a part of your everyday routine! 

1.Take a break before you quit. 

If quitting feels like the only option, simply take a break first. Sometimes all we need is to take a step back, take a little breather, and come back to whatever it is that has us throwing in the towel with new eyes and renewed energy. If you take a break and still feel like you can’t keep it up, then, by all means, gives yourself permission to quit. There is so shame in walking away from things not meant for you! 

2. Prioritize your time. 

Start each day with a list of things you need/want to accomplish and prioritize the things that are most important and put your focus there. Be sure to make caring for yourself with a break, be it a massage, shopping trip, whatever it is that you love, a part of your priorities each and every week. 

3. Keep a journal.

Getting everything out of your head and onto paper is one of the best things you can do for your mental health! We carry so much information in our heads from day to day and we have to dump it all out in order to make room for more and not feel like we have to remember it all. Get it all out. Your hopes, your dreams, your to-do list, and your deepest darkest secrets. I promise you will feel much lighter once you do! 

If you need help getting your dreams on paper, I created a dream journal to help you do just that! Snag it here! 

4. Learn more about yourself.

One of the best ways to care for your mental health is to know exactly who you are and why you do the things you do. Digging deep into the Enneagram has helped me truly know who I am and what makes me tick, which in turn helps me to offer myself grace in the areas where I feel less than. We weren’t meant to do it all or be good at everything and knowing who you are helps you to celebrate your strengths and honor your weaknesses. And then get super comfortable with asking others to fill in the gaps! 

Learn all about your perfect day based on your Enneagram number here!

5. Shorten your to-do list. 

You DO NOT have to do it all and you certainly don’t have to do it all in one day. If starting your day with just one thing on your to-do list is all you can manage, do that one thing and be proud of your work! Maybe you won’t put anything on your to-do list some days and that’s okay, too! You do not have to be busy completing tasks 100% of the time. Give yourself permission to simply be still from time to time. 

6. Get plugged into a community.

Don’t do life or business alone. Find a community of like-minded individuals who you can connect with on a daily basis. It’s so important to surround yourself with others in order to stay mentally healthy! Get together with friends or find a community online, whatever works for you, just make being with people from time to time a priority! 

If you’re looking for a business community that pushes you towards your goals and teaches you how to turn them into reality, you need to be in The Blush Pages community! We are waiting there with open arms to offer you business training and education and friendship like you’ve never known before! I would love to see you there! 

Whatever it is that you do to help keep yourself mentally fit,  be sure to do them often!

This isn’t an exhaustive list of everything you can do to help care for yourself, but it’s a pretty good start! If you have other things you have tried and have seen great success with, I would love to hear them! 

Be sure to share about it on your Instagram and tag me, @mkoehler so I can learn from you. I will never turn down new ways to care for my mental health in order to continue to care for the things and people I love most! 

I can’t wait to hear how you’re taking good care of yourself!