DR J’S BEAUTY

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

BY DR. ANIKA SIMONE JOHNSON

The month of May has always been a fun celebratory month in my family because we celebrate Life including my mother’s appearance day into this world, Mother’s Day a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world, the many college graduations of my relatives and mentees as well as Memorial Day honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The month of May is always filled with various emotions, but I remain in gratitude uplifting beauty and wellness through mental health awareness. It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic came to the United States, and since then, we have been incredibly resilient and supportive of each other’s businesses. We have adapted to online marketing for our businesses and have been key supporters for our clients as they navigate not only their own lives but also their mental health during these unprecedented times. on our mental health and provided us with mental health tips for self-worth and work, life, balance. If want to connect with a licensed mental health counselor, please connect with her Mrs. Green-Griffin via Instagram @ therapy_4_queens for a 30-minute complimentary consultation.

Here are some action-oriented strategies I learned that I want to share with you.

1. Talk about how you feel. We are always overthinking.

2. Get 8 hours of sleep each day. It is important to get your rest.

Given the variety of stressors that we all have faced in the past year, I am excited to share simple, actionoriented strategies that we can use to support our mental wellness for the remainder of the year. I had the privilege to host a talk with Mrs. Dashima Green-Griffin, MsED, LMHC, CASAC-T and Life Coach of Therapy 4 Queens last week. The talk was dynamic as she discussed undiagnosed mental health disorder in our community; COVID-19 effects 3. Exercise at least 20-30 minutes each day such as morning stretching and go for walks to get your body moving. Exercising helps you clear your mind.

4. Use YouTube as a tool to practice morning yoga, meditation, and listen to relaxation music and affirmations. These practices will keep your body relaxed and in a calm space. Check out Everything is always working out for me - Abraham - Esther Hicks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y93aYiKcXk

5. Experiment with cooking new recipes. This will keep you creative and release endorphins in your body causing you to relieve stress.

6. Do not take things too seriously. Always ask clarifying questions. We all can learn from each other.

7. Seek professional assistance from your primary doctor and mental health counselor when you think you need it.

As you seek to better manage your mental health do your best to incorporate the 7 strategies where and when needed. Creating a consistent self-care routine in efforts to elevate your mental health is key. A study conducted by Lancet Psychiatry in 2018 indicated you are more likely to suffer from moodiness, loneliness, and depressive disorders if you have less consistent routines. Make the time and prioritize your daily selfcare routine. Remember, you can’t keep it unless you give it away!

To stay connected to our women empowering women community, please follow All Things Dr. J. Beauty on Instagram @allthingsdr.j.beauty or contact us via info@drjbeauty.com Keep Winning On Purpose :-)

“Given the variety of stressors that we all have faced in the past year, I am excited to share simple, action-oriented strategies that we can use to support our mental wellness for the remainder of the year.”