Mentally Centered: Getting Around Life’s Mountains

It has been a turbulent year for myself as well as others. Many are in debt, jobless and on the verge of being homeless if not already. If America is truly divided into classes (high, middle, lower), the lines between one class and another are being blurred by the current state of the economy. Unemployment rates are the highest in years and through all of this I am wondering how everyone is staying semi sane.

While I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned this year, I must say that remembering to keep mentally centered was the most important. You cannot help anyone including yourself until you are completely relaxed and in control of your life.

A year ago at this time, I was at the tale end of a phenomenal yet short design internship. Although I was hoping that the internship would transition into an entry-level position, it did not. The director previously let me know that the company was unable to hire until they received some new clients. But, I remained optimistic.

Months and hundreds of resume submissions later, I began to panic. Having no source of steady income was a new thing for me. I could not recall ever being in a position where bills were getting behind and there was no safety net (aka parents). My optimism grew scarce and the reality of the situation set in.

In October 2008, my economic situation moved me back to my parent’s home in Florida at the age of 25. I felt like a failure. On my 3,000 mile drive back to Florida from California, I tried desperately to make sense of my life and see the light at the end of the tunnel. The light was dim if lit at all.

My first month and a half back in Florida I stayed cooped up in my room with no energy nor motivation to get out of bed. I rarely answered phone calls and found myself spiraling back into a depression. Then one day a light bulb came on and I realized I did not want to let this mountain crush me or my spirit. I dreaded falling back into a depressed state that once consumed my childhood years.

I began to restructure my emotions and take control of my mental health. I prayed more and started to pick up my phone calls. I reconnected with old friends and circumstances had me on my way back to California in late January 2009. When I made it back to San Francisco, I attended several networking events, reached out to my sorority sisters, and started blogging. It was during my first months back in San Francisco that I realized I am not alone. A plethora of men and women regardless of age or original income, are going through the same transitions in life. This gave me great comfort and provided me the opportunity for growth. I now understand that this season in my life will pass and while it is here I will learn everything I can so that I do not have to repeat it.

Now working, I am aiming to structure a plan to get out of debt in a few years and keep my mental health as one of my major priorities. 

Here are a few tips to help the rising Diva stay mentally fit when life throws you curve balls:

1. In solitude. Pray, meditate, or do some form of relaxation at least 15 minutes a day.

2. Ask for help. Easier said than done but very effective. Reach out to people in your network they may provide you with great resources and give you time tested advice.

3. Talk to a therapist. If you think you are suffering from depression, let a trained therapist help. It can be a scary and dangerous time when going through depression alone.

4. Create an exercise routine. I try to go a few times a week for 1-2 hours. It can release pinned up energy and clear congested thoughts.

5. Read the blog. Divadiariesbythediva.blogspot.com. I am sharing the life lessons that I learn to let you know that you are not alone and there is more to being a diva than appearances.

6. It’s free. Look for free events around your neighborhood. You will have a blast and not have to feel guilty about the bill. I had a free massage and salon blow out a few months ago and all because I did a little sleuth work on the web.

7. Go out. Getting out of the house is key during tough seasons in your life. Take a walk on the beach, go to your local coffee shop or just sit on the curb. When you are cooped up in your house you are more likely to stay in your emotional state.

8. Create something. Not only is art a form of expression but it is also a great stress reliever. Pick up a pencil and pad and have fun.

9. Laugh. Do not be too engulfed in your job, life, family problems, and forget to laugh. Laughing is a natural way of lifting your spirit.

10. Make a list. Start thinking about what you want to change and write it down. Hang the list on your bathroom mirror and read your goals every morning. It is also good to write down your favorite inspirational quote.

XOXOXO,
The Diva

This article is also posted in the FitBiz section of http://www.bizme.biz

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3 comments

  1. To add, I think people need to realize that feeling down is not something to feel ashamed of. Don't let anyone stigmatize you for being in this emotional state. It is a normal, natural, inevitable occurrance whose frequency varies from person to person. In other words, it happens to everyone.

    Also, how we deal with it varies, and although some do it in a more irrational way than others, it's ok because it happens.

    That's just my two cents.

  2. Thanks Elena!

    Pangtera-Very true that it is natural to feel down sometimes. I believe the key is not to stay there. At some point you have to get up and enjoy life.