MonthJune 2022

Self-Care Sunday: Taking Time To Nurture Yourself

Have you taken the time to nurture yourself this week? Let’s be honest, in the hustle and bustle of life we tend to leave ourselves behind from time to time. It’s easy to put work, kids, deadlines and family needs before our own. Eventually this leads to burnt out, leaving us tired and empty.

That’s why it’s essential that we tend to our own needs and mental health. Otherwise, we will be pouring ourselves out of an empty vessel. Hence, the title. 

Let’s do a little check-in. Below are some questions to start with: 

  • What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
  • Do you have a morning routine? A ritual?
  • Practical steps that can set up your day for the best possible outcome? 

Here are few simple things I do first thing in the morning to make sure I am setting myself up to win:

  • State a positive affirmation (while still in bed)
  • Light stretch
  • Brush my teeth
  • Take a shower
  • Meditate
  • Light yoga (while the coffee is brewing) 
  • Journal ( it doesn’t have to make sense) 

Yes, seriously. I do all of these things within the first two hours upon waking, either before heading to work or getting my day started with my family. 

You’d be surprised at how these common sense and simple things are overlooked and undervalued. 

Choose one, two or all of them and try it on. Simply spend a few minutes on each and see how you feel. 

Take inventory before you go to bed. What worked? What didn’t work? And what can you do differently tomorrow?

Don’t overthink it. It takes daily practice, consistency and a little willingness.  

Trust the process.

Men’s Health Month

June is officially Men’s Health Month. This often means health screenings and education about men’s health related issues. For us this means looking deeper into men’s mental health. Men have different needs than women, including emotional. Here are a couple statistics from the Men’s Health Month website:

  • Currently, men are dying an average of 5 years younger than women and lead 9 out of 10 of the top causes of death.
  • Men are at greater risk for death in every age group.
  • Men have a higher suicide death rate than women.
  • Men account for 92% of fatal workplace injuries.
  • Men do not see physicians for physical exams nearly as often as women and men are more likely to be uninsured.

Having the right tools available to manage stress makes a big difference. Also knowing that using these tools does not make anyone less of a man. Men can meditate, pray, do yoga, tai qi, or anything else that helps to slow down and tune into the mind-body connection. Another big difference in the overall state of mental health for men is a sense of community. That is a tool that many men barely scratch the surface of when it comes to mental health. Men also often feel the need to be “strong” or to uphold a certain image. We need to allow space for men to feel comfortable with being open and vulnerable – to simply discuss deeper things.

National Men’s Health Week (NMHW), will be June 11th – June 17th. Take this time to support yourself or be a support for men in your life. Remember to take time for self care, to check in with how you are feeling, and to allow yourself to be open with others.

Summer Updates!

Summer is just about here, and with it, a plethora of updates!

First off, June is Men’s Health Month. As a reminder, health & wellness is something that is ongoing for everyone. Many aspects are like exercise or diet – you have to keep up the practice every day. It’s not something we can practice and be done with (Its not like you get fit from going to the gym a few times and then you never have to go again).  We’ll discuss more about men’s health and mental health needs. We also look forward to World Yoga day on June 21st!

Later in the Summer, Jahmaal’s Transformational Mindfulness book will be released! If you haven’t had a chance, visit akash.jah.guide (which will soon be moving to its own page: akash.exchange) to learn more about the cryptocurrency token to support health, wellness, and commodities like food. These are two exciting projects we are excited about as they represent healthy progress in the paradigm shift.

Stay cool out there!