Mental Health Over Everything

Being the GOAT (greatest of all time) is great right? I mean who doesn’t want to be thought of as the best, irreplaceable, or the MVP of the team. Yes, it’s nice to receive the awards; take the perfect picture; and enjoy the compliments. But what many people never talk about is the pressure and sometimes the unrealistic expectations that come with that role.

Many women are the GOAT of their household, group of friends, or work cohort. Truth be told, many women I know, are MVP of all three. In my community, it is expected for a woman to be strong, never show signs of weakness, and to keep going, even when the body has given multiple signs of burnout. I’m relieved to see that finally women are finding the confidence and courage to walk away from anything that threatens their mental health and peace.

We all just witnessed Simone Bile’s take a break during the Olympic finals to focus on her mental health. Her decision was met with both praise and with feelings of disappointment. How many times have you personally experienced feelings of restlessness; constant fatigue; feelings of worry; trouble falling asleep; no desire to hang out with friends; or found yourself neglecting self-care regimens? Did you recognize these as warning signs of a mental health imbalance?

Additionally, have you ever ignored any of these signs and said I have to keep pushing for the team? Have you ever wondered how others would perceive you for putting yourself first? So many times as women, we place our feelings and needs aside for what we believe will be the greater good for the team.

I have experienced all of these feelings at some point of time of my life while trying to balance it all. The next time you experience feelings of mental fatigue or burn out, I want you know it’s ok to say I need a break now, not later.

Below are five tips to take control of your mental health:

1. Value yourself. You are not a sacrificial lamb for the greater good of the team. Take time for self-care activities like exercising, massages, and eating healthy. Let go of any job, friendship, or relationship that you are not valued or respected.

2. Say No. Understand that just because you are qualified doesn’t mean you have to say yes. There is power in the word No. Set your goals and priorities and say no to anything that keeps you from reaching your goals.

3. Set realistic expectations: Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself based on what you think others expect from you. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy by creating false perspectives of perfection. Don’t allow others to set unrealistic expectations for you. Set clear boundaries.

4. Train your team. Train your team to be successful even in your absence. Yes your five year old can clean their own room, and you may be surprised at how well your husband can be at fixing breakfast. Use that mental health day and train your coworker to be able to step up when you are away. Remember, we aren’t looking for perfection. Trust me, they can complete the task and will get better at it if you let them.

5. Listen to your body. Your body will give you signs of mental imbalance. Listen and don’t be afraid to ask for professional help.

I want every woman to feel empowered enough to choose mental health over everything. I choose me. I am worth it. Taking a break does not mean count me out. Be courageous enough to say I will risk it all before I risk losing me!

Your Sister In Wellness,

Lauren