Level Up

Level Up by Maya Feemster-Jones

Covid has ushered in the season of an influx of catch phrases. There have been high trends of new business ventures from budding entrepreneurs, as well as those who are refining and re-branding established businesses. The common theme that has emerged from the time and space of pandemic living is “Leveling-up." As a coach, I always ask what that phrase means. However, the consistent language surrounding this phrase is, elevating our life!

How are you leveling up? The fact that you are not just living but thriving during a pandemic is a level up within itself! It is a call for each of us to live a fulfilled life, a life that is focused on working and executing our personal passion of impactful service. Do not know have clarity in what you are enthusiastic about? Tell me more about what awakens you from your sleep. What is that thing that seems to show up in your life without an invitation? That thing that you just cannot turn away from. That is your passion my dear friend…it is your internal invitation to a work that has your name engraved on it.

How will you level up? It all begins with a goal in mind. Define your passion, or as they say in the old school, “put a name on it." Once you create that goal; I invite you to create at least 3 action steps, which create a pathway to achievement. Your goal could be becoming a mental health counselor, as you desire to aid those in trauma from the impacts of COVID. Action one could be researching schools with accredited programs. Action step two could be deciding whether you desire a licensed professional counseling tract or a licensed counselor social worker. Creating this clarity can aid one in homing in on a program that caters to one’s niche. Action step three could be applying for the program of choice. Those level-up steps may seem small, however when you look back, you have made a major impact on your overall goal achievement.

Leveling-up is not just about creating a look, it is more about creating opportunities for oneself through making impactful decisions. How have you used this time and space of COVID to level up? What skillset do you have that is naturally attractive to others? How will you utilize it to live well, and aide others in doing the same? What do you want your legacy to be when your time here has expired? Each answer can be found in the manner to which you level up while dancing on the life dash (time between birth and death). As a seasoned Life Coach, I invite you to finish this year strong, you are not too late to make good on your desires/goals set January 1st, and every day is another closer to seeing yourself “Leveled-Up”!

Making Mental Health a Priority

By Dr. Renee Davis

Mental Health matters! This is not just a tagline. It is an appeal to make mental health a priority. Mental health is as equally important as physical health.

Mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, are health conditions that involve changes in one’s emotions, thinking, behavior, or a combination of these. These conditions can be situational (short-term) or chronic (long-term). They can affect how we manage stress, treat ourselves, relate to others, make decisions, and function every day. Most of us have experienced, or will experience, episodes of sadness or nervousness; however, this does not mean that we necessarily have a mental health condition. In the mental health field, if symptoms persist more than two weeks and adversely affect a person’s functioning, then professional assistance is recommended.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that one in five U.S. adults (20%) lives with a mental illness. These conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender, identity, or socioeconomic status. Anyone can experience mental health challenges. The good news is that mental health issues are treatable.

Mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, are health conditions that involve changes in one’s emotions, thinking, behavior, or a combination of these. These conditions can be situational (short-term) or chronic (long-term). They can affect how we manage stress, treat ourselves, relate to others, make decisions, and function every day. Most of us have experienced, or will experience, episodes of sadness or nervousness; however, this does not mean that we necessarily have a mental health condition. In the mental health field, if symptoms persist more than two weeks and adversely affect a person’s functioning, then professional assistance is recommended. There are everyday activities that one can do to manage stress levels and promote mental wellness that are free or inexpensive. These activities include physical exercise, engaging in social opportunities, and self-care. There are numerous psychological benefits of physical activity, such as decreased symptoms of depression/anxiety, decreased stress, better mood, and improved sleep. Examples of social activities include talking with a trusted friend/family or being involved in a community activity, such as volunteering. Volunteering can counteract the effects of stress and anxiety, by improving self-esteem and mood, giving an individual with a sense of purpose, and providing the opportunity to meet new people. Social interactions with others is also important to feel connected and increase one’s sense of belonging. These connections with others can improve mood and one’s outlook on life. Self-care may include treating yourself like you want others to treat you and taking time for yourself. This means investing in you! Meditation, which is helpful with depression and anxiety, can help increase concentration and focus. Other helpful exercises include journaling your thoughts and feelings, getting adequate sleep, and seeking help when needed. Avoid unhealthy habits such as drugs and alcohol and think positively. Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is also good for your mental health.

For immediate help in a crisis: • Call 9-1-1 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-628-TALK [8255]) • National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) • National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4AChild [1-800-4224453]) • Veteran’s Crisis Line (1-800-273-TALK [8255])