Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management

Health comes in many forms, and that includes reducing your stress and nurturing your emotional and mental health. Stress can manifest in various ways, affecting your physical and mental health. Recognizing the signs of stress and taking proactive steps to manage it is crucial. Here are some practical tips and techniques to help you manage stress effectively:

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Just a few minutes of breathing or relaxation techniques a day can do wonders for your mental health and reduce stress tremendously. Even if you have just 5 minutes before your next appointment, sit for just a couple of minutes and focus on your breathing. When you sit quietly and think about nothing but your breaths, you are entering a mindful and slightly meditative state. This can be so very healing! Try to incorporate traditional Latina practices, such as using sage or palo santo for a cleansing ritual.

Try a Digital Detox

There is nothing wrong with social media and using your phone, as it can be helpful in so many ways. But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you have been feeling stressed, triggered, or drained lately, taking a break from your phone might be just what you need.

You may not be able to take entire days off of your phone if you need it for work or to communicate with others, but you can at least choose times of the day when you promise not to use it. One good time to start is shortly before bed and keeping your notifications turned off until you have gotten through your morning routine the next day. Maybe before bedtime, you could listen to some calming music or read a book by your favorite Latina author.

Prioritize Your Sleep

Now is a really good time to focus on getting better sleep as one of your main healthy habits. Not only will it help you physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. People who get a good night’s sleep report having more energy, lowered amounts of stress, and a rejuvenated body and mind. Consider incorporating a bedtime routine with a cup of calming chamomile tea, a remedy passed down from our abuelas.

Self-Care For the Busy Woman

Lastly, make sure you are adding plenty of self-care to your routine! Pencil it in your calendar if you absolutely need to. The focus should be on you and what will help you mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. No matter how busy you are and how many responsibilities fall on your shoulders, there should always be at least a few minutes a day for you to unwind and take some time for yourself. Whether this means reading a book or watching your favorite telenovela or tv show before bed, practicing mindfulness, getting a monthly massage, or enjoying an extra-long bath once a week, make sure you are prioritizing your self-care. Remember, you deserve to take care of yourself just as much as you take care of others.