11 ways to help your mental health
By Scratch Staff | 11 May 2021 | Expert Advice, Feature
Help look after your mindset & mental wellbeing during lockdown, with Monika Stachon, business coach & owner of Nail Boss Strategy & Mindset…
It’s hard not to feel alarmed, when all social media, news outlets and daily conversations with clients are overloaded with fear, uncertainty and chaos.
Undoubtedly, this is a challenging time for our industry. Many of you may be overwhelmed with worry about cancellations, bills, your loved ones and clients.
While it’s absolutely normal to feel anxious, it’s very important to acknowledge the feeling and do something about it. You can decide to see good in every situation. Although it’s not easy, it can be simple.
Here are some things you can do to help…
1. Incorporate journaling as a part of your daily routine. Write about your worries, goals and aspirations. Journaling is a fantastic tool we can all use to keep track of our thoughts and redirect them when necessary. Use it to pause and reflect. Reconnect with yourself during this forced annual leave.
2. Reach out to people. Remember you’re not alone. Reach out to friends, create Facebook groups for your clients, make new nail tech friends in community groups and create a support network for when times are though. Chat, inspire, educate.
Speak to family members. If you can’t do it in person, utilise free apps such as Skype & Facebook Messenger. We need connection more than ever; don’t be afraid to ask for help.
3. Remember that this is only temporary. You can decide to use this free time you have now to plan, change, strategise and grow your business bigger and better. Your destiny is in your hands and in the action you’re going to take now. You can emerge into a beautiful butterfly when you’re out of this cocoon.
Let’s embrace the pause and the change that is inevitably coming and go with it.
4. Give yourself a spa break you deserve. In our industry it’s our job to make our clients look and feel good. If you run your own business, you probably never have enough time to focus on yourself. Get your pedicure bowl out, give yourself a facial of a lifetime or make sure your nails pop. Why not share the process on social media? It might inspire your clients to do the same if they’re self isolating, but will also give you content to post when you’re less busy.
5. Show your children that in times of crisis resilience is the way forward. By practicing it yourself, you’re teaching them an invaluable lesson.
6. Remember that we are never truly in control and that’s ok. Yes, things are more uncertain than ever, but they never were certain. Recognise that the only control you have is the control in how you react to this.
It is more important now than ever to develop a mindset that will get you through the hard times and help you rise higher than ever before.
7. Establish a daily routine in self-isolation. Fill up your time with activities that give you pleasure, grow your business and distract you from the news. It’s ok to take time out.
8. Consider starting and ending your day with meditation. It’s scientifically proven that meditation and breath work reduces stress on our bodies. If you’re a beginner to it, why not start with a guided meditation on YouTube while practicing nail art. It can be incredibly calming and mindful. Not only will you feel more present and relaxed, you will have practiced your skills in the meantime.
9.Get moving. Whether you’re in isolation or able to get out into the fresh air, it’s important to get your heart right going. Dance in your living room or have a yoga morning. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body and reduce pain – both mental or physical.
10.Your vibe attracts your tribe. It’s important to remember that who you surround yourself with in times like this will affect your mood. Choose people you connect with wisely. Lead your nail tribe with love and positivity. The way you speak on social media will attract people who are like minded. Be negative, that’s all your world will become. Be positive, you will open your mind and heart to hope, possibility and opportunity.
Don’t be afraid to mute triggering social media accounts when necessary.
11. Find a new purpose. Share your knowledge on YouTube, start a podcast or create the thing you’ve been putting off for a while. Unleash a new project you can do from home and find excitement in all the free time you have.
Pick and choose whichever activity you feel like the most and feel your mood lift dramatically. There’s power in action and there’s power in the community.