Mental Wellness for Women in Every Season of Life

Nurturing mental wellness is essential at every age. As women, our mental health can sometimes take a back seat to our priorities and commitments in life. But as we age, our bodies undergo significant changes, like giving birth, menopause, or more difficult realities like a cancer diagnosis, not to mention all the other factors that can affect our mental health outside our bodies. Our mental health matters, and as we age, we must care for our wellness in every season of life. Consider implementing these tips to help care for your mental health.

Navigating change

The natural flow of life has its ups and downs. From career changes to fluctuating finances, having a family, navigating relationships, and the inevitabilities of growing older can put a strain on your mental health. It can be overwhelming to face approaching change, be in the thick of it, or mourn the loss of our old lives. Many times, these new realities can be followed by increased levels of anxiety and feelings of isolation. To work through difficult seasons of life or significant changes, your mental health has to be cared for. The first step is to name it; when we acknowledge our feelings, we can begin the healing process. 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can come in many forms, such as journaling, meditating, stretching, a sensory-focused exercise, a time of reflection, or breathing exercises. Finding a mindful practice can help you understand yourself better, but even more importantly, it can reduce anxiety.  While mindfulness can be an opportunity for growth and reflection as a daily practice, it can also be a way to ground ourselves when overwhelming feelings are present. By doing breathing exercises or focusing on visual cues, you can reduce anxiety, which decreases the control heightened emotions can have and allows us to think logically.  

Support

Support looks different for everyone. Whether it’s the comfort of family and friends, the guidance of a counselor or therapist, or the help of a pastor, seeking and accepting support is vital. Sharing our thoughts and worries with a trusted support system can help us uncover hidden stressors and navigate our emotions. The power of positive sensory input, such as spending time with loved ones or receiving a comforting touch, should not be underestimated. This comforting support system is essential for regaining strength and hope during a challenging season of life.

As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our therapist Lorraine Harper offers valuable advice to those supporting loved ones facing a difficult diagnosis, “I encourage them to use comforting, positive language whenever they can – words are very powerful in setting our mindset and attitude.”

Surrounding ourselves with people and things that encourage us can be a remarkable tool for finding strength in the face of challenges and the support needed to navigate healing. 

Acceptance 

Accepting ourselves and our situations can help us work toward wellness and a sense of peace that can open us up to personal growth. Understanding what acceptance means for you and your situation is a powerful step toward healing and hope. Acceptance doesn’t mean approval; it means seeing things as they truly are. Grounding yourself through mindful practices, self-care, and a support system can help you regain clarity and embrace acceptance. By doing so, you can have a renewed mindset for healing. 

Embrace gratitude 

Framing our minds toward gratitude can significantly change our outlook on life and nurture our mental wellness. By choosing to find something to be grateful for each day, we allow positive thoughts to enter our minds, helping us reduce feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety and promoting happiness. Doing this shifts our mindset towards hope and a renewed view of our world. Take a moment and practice a mindful gratitude exercise by answering these questions out loud or by journaling. 

• Think of someone in your life you are grateful for. What do you appreciate about them?
• What are three things you are grateful for today?
• What is a memory that brings you feelings of peace and happiness? 

You matter

Whether you are struggling in an unfamiliar season of life, want new strategies and support, or seeking self-acceptance as you age, you deserve to pursue your wellness journey. Everyone’s journey looks and feels different. At WMPS, we want to come alongside you and support you in every part of your life. We have a dedicated team ready to help you navigate your wellness journey. Connect with us today!