I’m A Traveling Mental Health Speaker. Steal My Self-Care Tips
Hi, I’m Tianna! As a traveling keynote speaker, my mission is to empower you to care for your mental health and wellness and live a healthy, fulfilling life. I believe deeply in spreading this message around the world, and I’m grateful to visit universities and corporations year-round to do just that. However, well-being is a journey, not a destination—and I’m always learning how to practice what I preach and take care of myself, too.
Whether you’re a college student, higher ed staff member, corporate leader, solopreneur, or somewhere in between, your well-being matters. It’s what fuels you through life and empowers you to achieve those incredible goals and dreams I know are within your reach. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed recently, or you’ve been neglecting your mental and physical health, here are some simple, yet effective self-care practices to try.
Establish a daily ritual.
You don’t have to have the perfect morning routine (I sure don’t!), but I challenge you to choose just one thing every day that remains consistent. Maybe it’s listening to music while you get ready for work. Or perhaps it’s sipping your coffee and people-watching at a local cafe every Sunday. Some of my clients prefer writing in their journals, meditating, lighting incense, or simply listening to a podcast on their commute. Our bodies crave consistency, and committing to a personalized ritual will help you feel more grounded and ready to take on whatever life throws your way.
Nourish your body, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
Caring for your mental health and wellness is incredibly hard if your basic needs aren’t being met. Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your body’s physical and biological needs. Build a good foundation for your physical health, and the rest will follow. Pro tip: To make everyday activities feel more fun and luxurious, treat yourself to a cute water bottle, explore new recipes with your partner, or curl up in cozy sheets and doze off to ocean sounds (or whatever makes you feel calm—I’m a fan of brown noise and binaural beats).
Create a go-to self-care kit (literally).
Whether you’re a student who’s constantly on the go or you’re a professional bound to your cubicle all day, making a personalized self-care kit can be a subtle, yet practical way to remind yourself to breathe deep and release the pressure to be perfect. The exact form of your self-care kit is up to you, but I recommend finding little items that make you happy, calm, energized, or another desired feeling state—and keeping them handy. Some ideas: a picture of your dog, an aromatherapy roll-on stick, a list of self-love affirmations, crystals, a beautiful journal, or a travel souvenir that reminds you of good times.
You can even make your self-care “kit” more interactive, like bookmarking a funny video that inevitably makes you laugh or a Spotify playlist that lifts your spirits (here’s one of mine).
Ask for help.
Throughout my speaking career, I’ve grown accustomed to asking for help—whether it’s where to park on campus, how to work the fancy clicker with a laser pointer, or what to do when the projector screen starts flashing in the middle of your talk and suddenly it feels like we’re all at a rave (yes, for real). The bottom line: There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it, and the same goes for your mental health and wellness. Asking for support doesn’t make you weak—we all need a helping hand sometimes.
Maybe you call a friend, meet with your advisor, read a self-help book, or speak with a therapist who can help you navigate life’s challenges. If you’re a working professional, asking for help can also look like delegating a bit of your workload or getting honest with your manager about your bandwidth. Whatever route you choose, know that help is always available.
If there’s anything I can leave you with, it’s this: You deserve to feel happy and healthy in mind, body, and soul. If you don’t feel that way today, it’s okay—but ask yourself, Is there something small I can do to show up for myself today? And if you need a little help, don’t be afraid to reach out. I am rooting for you!
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Learn more here to explore Tianna’s engaging keynote programs in mental health, women’s empowerment, and personal growth, or book her for your next event.