It’s okay to not be okay. May is mental health awareness month, so I want to shine some light on mental health and the stigma that surrounds it.

I create a morning routine with all my clients so they can start each day with structure and discipline. Our body loves routine. I’ve created a spiritual seven that I include in my and my clients’ morning routines to help with mental health. It’s really simple:

1. Pray. The first thing I do is say a simple prayer: “God, Higher Power, Universe, Spirit, help me be in the right place at the right time, doing the right things with the right people for the right reasons.” 

2. Meditate. The simplest form of meditation is conscious breathing. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for a second, and exhale through your nose for four seconds. Repeat this for two to five minutes.

3. Read daily devotions. I read two daily devotions to get my mind in the right place. These are positive, uplifting devotionals. Two of my favorite books filled with these devotions are “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday and “A Year of Miracles” by Marianne Williamson. 

4. Make a gratitude list. Where our attention goes, our energy flows. What we focus on gets stronger. When I look for things to be grateful for, I draw more gratitude into my life. Starting my day with this practice creates positive momentum and helps me see more things to be grateful for throughout the day.

5. Make my bed. Having less physical clutter creates less spiritual and emotional clutter in your head. It also fosters self-esteem and self-confidence

6. Have a mirror moment. I look at myself in the mirror, say, “I love you,” and give myself a high five. It changes the feel-good part of our brain; you can’t be pissed off and give yourself a high five in the mirror.

7. Do mindful movement. This is some kind of physical exercise. That includes yoga, stretching, breath work, or even walking outside.

All seven parts of this routine form a mind, body, and spirit transformation. Over time, these activities create a positive snowball of momentum. Small habits repeated over and over create big transformations.

I never ask others to do what I’m not comfortable doing myself. I’ve been doing these seven things for years, and I know they work. Try it yourself, and know that I am here as a resource if you need it. You have trusted coaches, mentors, and friends to lean on for your mental health.

I’m rooting for you, and if you need any support, feel free to call or email me. I would love to help.