Blog Author: Beckie Mossor, RVT
NAVTA President-Elect
I believe mental health and self-care are not what many people perceive them to be. The stigma is real with this one. Mental health is not always spa days and chanting in rhythm while contorting one’s body while listening to Tibetan song bowls. I mean, it can be, but that’s not the whole of it. Many things contribute to our mental well-being, and while meditation is amazing for the mind, body, and spirit, it’s not for everyone; mental health is for everyone. So, I think it is essential to understand what detracts from your mental health and what it takes to address it.
What does that mean? For example, in my experience, many of my colleagues stress about money and their pay but don’t have a budget or financial knowledge. Financial worry takes a lot out of us, and knowledge is power. Identifying the areas of life that are overwhelming and the areas of our life that are underserved is vital to restoring mental balance. And my last bit of advice? Do the work. That means, for me, and in my opinion, for most people, therapy. We see professionals for all of our needs in life but create a stigma around just having a conversation with someone about our experiences, how we process them, and how we engage with the world around us.
Ironically, we postpone our self-care to sacrifice for those around us without realizing how much our personal care and health benefit those same people. Put your oxygen mask on first; fill your cup, for you can’t pour from an empty one; whatever you want to say. It’s true. Self-care and mental and physical wellness will not come to you. You have to find, prioritize, and constantly check in on it.