OMG, it’s a new month already! Hey mamas! Are you ready for these five, yes five EASY ways to jumpstart your mental health? Keep reading to discover how consistency in faith, sleep, playtime, exercise, and good nutrition can be the game-changer you need.

1. Faith—our relationship with the Lord

Did you know consistent quiet time with the Lord helps your mental health? One of my favorite scriptures reads,

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 
Philippians 4:8-9

The Lord is so faithful since His Word instructs us how to think and the basis of our meditation. Adhering to the advice of the previous verses will foster peace in our souls and cultivate the tenderness of our hearts as we consistently seek the Father.

2. Sleep—it’s necessary for everyone, including supermoms like you

20 My son, keep the teaching of your father, and do not turn away from the teaching of your mother. 21 Hold them always to your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 They will lead you when you walk. They will watch over you when you sleep, and they will talk with you when you wake up. 
Proverbs 6:20-22, NLV

We often hear about how much better things are when we rest well. Unfortunately, I found myself falling short here. Yet, I know the more rest (this includes sleep) I get, the better I am overall. I knew these things theoretically, but actions reflect actual knowledge. Honestly, you’d have thought I was still an “invincible” college student due to poor sleep and rest skills. Yet, God’s Word tells me that I can and will rest well if I trust Him and His Word. A better rested you leads to a clearer thinking you.

3. Playtime—having fun is therapeutic and necessary

...He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed
Proverbs 11:25

I’m going to keep this simple. Most of my readers are moms. We can put our phones down for about 30 minutes a day to spend time playing with our children. Our to-do lists can wait as we spend quality time with our children. Then, once we’ve engaged with them and fill their love tank, let’s fill our own with whatever refreshes us. Don’t feel guilty about that, either; what works for you is what works for you. As long as it doesn’t compromise your faith and integrity, it’s fair game in my eyes.

4. Exercise—it’s a lifestyle

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1, KJV

Seriously, what excuse can we make for this? We want to be here for our hubbies, children, church, communities, etc., so why do we neglect exercise? No, you don’t have to train for a triathlon, but you can start by adding extra walking to your daily routine. You can walk at home or exercise with other moms if you need accountability. Why does it matter? Because everything connects—spirit, soul, and body. If we want our minds to be like Christ’s, and if we desire to maintain mental clarity, we must work out to keep our bodies functioning harmoniously within themselves.

5. Good Eating—real nutrients from real foods

Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11

I’m not going to push a specific diet or anything like that because food was made for us, not us for food. With that said, balance is necessary. We don’t have to eat highly processed “foods” for enjoyment. Our goal should be to eat real food. Why is this important? Because the alternative helps clog us and breaks systems down. I have yet to meet a person with optimal mental wellness and fortitude while their bodies reek of processed foods.

Yes, I love desserts, but since my belly (appetites) aren’t my God, I had to tell myself that yes, I can enjoy them—in moderation. Plus, there are ways to eat similar desserts and healthier staples that the body can digest better.

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As you see, there are spiritual connections behind these natural things we can do to care for our souls and psyches. What exactly you do might not match what I’m doing—and that’s fine. What matters is for each of these areas to be met with consistency. There isn’t a reason we can’t be consistent—there are only excuses. Y’all, we are now in the seventh month of the year. Are we going to allow excuses to keep holding us back? Will we face our crap head-on and let Holy Spirit help our consistency?

Let’s decide on this day to be consistent in each of these points now. When tomorrow comes, we’ll pick it up then.

Love,

Candace