Prep in your Step

My organization acknowledged July 3rd as an official mental health day this year. A prime date to recognize staff well-being, especially since it was a Monday before a national holiday, that most employees were likely to utilize their PTO. If your company hasn’t solidified any company-wide wellness days yet, that’s a good sign they need someone like you to kick things off.

If you’re new here, last month I outlined ideal days or moments you should take to cultivate mindfulness in your schedule. This edition of my newsletter will be dedicated to the preparation leading up to your intentional day:

Two weeks out:?Deliberation

What do you want to accomplish during your mental health day? Be honest and specific.

• WHAT do you need?
• WHY do you need it?

How do you want to feel at the end of your day and outline precise emotions.

One week out:?Visualization

Envision your day from start to finish.

• Are you mostly inside or outside?
• What activities are you doing? Now would be a good time to check if you need to make any appointments or reservations for any activities you are thinking about adding to your itinerary.

Activate all five of your senses during this visual practice. What are you seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, and hearing throughout the day?

Two – three days out:?Clarification

• Make a plan and write it down.

Utilize your time wisely by outlining your plan for the day. Time flies when you’re prioritizing your well-being. Have you ever got a massage? It’s literally the faster hour EVER.

I’ve attached my personal to-do-list with a few activities that I turn to when I need to recharge:

1.?Move your body. Any activity that will get my heart rate pumping.

2.?Connect with nature.?Going for a walk, hike, or grounding.

3.?Play. Carving out time to tap in with my inner child always sparks my creativity.

4.?Organize. Decluttering even the smallest space always has a positive effect on my well-being.

One-day out: Preparation

Very underrated. The day before you take off is more satisfying than the actual day off in my opinion. Solidify your boundaries and gear up for a rejuvenating day. Ensure your OOO email and work app messages are set. Communicate if you are available for emergencies to your team and/or organization.

The real cheat code to preparing for your personal day is remembering that our thoughts and words hold so much power. Establish your motivating thoughts and affirm yourself into a relaxing day. Repeat as needed.

Speaking of relaxing, August 15th?is National Relaxation Day.

Make me proud.