A lot of brands lately have been posting about mental health and the awareness of it…trying to ensure we all realize it’s okay to think about ourselves and our own well-being. And it’s so true. How often are we thinking about work and others and our to do lists and all the madness of adulting that we forget to take time to check in with ourselves – physically, mentally, emotionally.

So here’s are some questions for you:

1. Do you find time for yourself each week? Something that’s just for you?

2. What about once a day? Is there “me” time built in?

3. Do you find time for things that make you happy? Help you breathe?

4. Do you ask for help when you need it?

Note: it’s not about escaping your world and day to day, but building in things that make each day more inviting and more about you and the life you want to live.

My answers to those questions:

1. Each week I try to find time to speak to my friends, make at least one plan that’s outside so I’m not just on my computer or watching tv. One plan may sound minor but that’s the minimum, remember.

2. Each day I found time to workout, read, text with a friend, and hang out with my pets to ensure I get some energy in, that’s outside of work. Usually “me” time is before work so I try to get up early when I can.

3. I feel like I have to build in that time for things that aren’t “chores” like photography, writing, readying, getting out to a museum or a movie, etc, but if I build it in, it will happen and I will get that chance to breathe. Like earlier today I went for a walk by the water and breathed in the crisp autumn air. And took some fun photography while at it. That made me feel alive.

4. I’m still working on this as I’m used to being independent, but a work in progress is a good thing, right?

So, when we are struggling… we need to find those things that make us breathe, make us feel alive, happy, and provide us more of ourselves.

And if you’re still stuck, consider asking a friend or someone else for help to get back there. It could be a chat or more. There’s no shame in going outside yourself for finding that happiness and what makes you, you. Some of us find it difficult to go outside ourselves for help whether it’s building a bookshelf, a relationship issue, health concerns, or whatever it may be. But asking for help isn’t a weakness…it’s a sign of realizing when help is needed and courageous in a way. Asking for help…why do we make it so hard?

Until next time, #radiatedaily