WEEKLY WISDOM - MENTAL

Mental: performed by or existing in the mind, pertaining to intellectuals or intellectual activity.

I am taking a mental! More and more people are needing to take mental breaks as the drive, pressures and busyness of life continues to mount. I believe we have come to a critical breaking point in our country where we must start prioritizing our mental health. According to the National Mental Health Association, nearly one in five people live with a mental illness. This issue has been exacerbated by the social, economic, political, health, and racial pressures that we have experienced over the last few years, and it has caused the façade that people have hid behind to be completely broken and the REAL persons are showing up.

What does this mean as a leader? It means that your mental health is a priority and necessary for you to lead well in every aspect of your life. Let’s talk about how you protect and strengthen your mental health. You know me and I must ground this in the word of God for that is the place of solace, refuge, and healing.  What goes in your mind, comes out through your heart, mouth, and actions. That’s why I love the scripture where Moses gives instruction to Joshua (Joshua 1:8) where he states to meditate on the word day and night and be careful to do all that is written in it for then you will be prosperous and succeed in all you do. Another supporting scripture is that when you keep your mind stayed on Him, He will give you perfect peace because you trust Him; Isaiah 26:3. That is truly affirming!

As a leader, you must be able to think clearly, engage strategically, and execute effectively. Being intentional about your healthy mental state of being will allow you to perform at the highest level which will then benefit your family and your team.

Again, your mental health is vital to your success as a leader in every aspect. The following can be remedies for ensuring that you stay on top of your mental game.

1.       Start by filling your mind with the word daily. It may not feel like much progress in the beginning, but the more you do it, the more it will strengthen you just like working out. If you’re wondering where to start, try the books of Proverbs, John, Philippians, or James.

2.       Take several quick breaks throughout your day to relieve stress, re-center yourself, and evaluate priorities for the rest of the day.

3.       Carve out time for yourself weekly to do what brings you joy and glorifies God. My outlet is tennis, and it frees my mind and releases stress.

4.       Develop an attitude of gratitude. Life is viewed through a clearer lens when you are grateful for what you have from the Master Giver.

5.       Be intentional to build relationships with those that will push you to be the best version of yourself in Christ.

6.       Lastly, control the one thing that is in your control and that is your mindset and how you choose to respond to issues, situations, challenges, and problems.

(EQUIPPING)

Exercise Your Power this week!

1.       Schedule a mental day for reflection and self-care within the next 30 days- Empower yourself to do this.

2.       Select something that interests you that you have not experienced before and do it within the next 30 days.

3.       Read Joshua Chapter 1 for a refresher on keeping your mind focus on the most important thing in life.