What’s Helped My Mental Health the Most — A Personal Reflection for Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to bring light to something that impacts every single one of us.
Mental health has been a big part of my personal journey. I’ve gone through seasons of deep struggle, times of growth, and everything in between. I’ve learned over the years that tending to our inner world is just as essential as caring for our physical bodies — maybe even more so. And yet, emotional and mental well-being often doesn’t get the same kind of attention or support.
That’s why I want to share a few personal practices that have truly helped me feel more grounded, more present, and more connected to myself during hard times. These aren’t perfect solutions, but they’ve made a real difference in my life — and maybe they’ll speak to you, too.
1. Letting Go of Social Media
I know this is a big one — but for me, stepping away from social media was probably the most profound thing I’ve done for my mental health.
Instagram became a place where I was constantly pulled out of the present moment. I used it to numb out, and I found myself in a constant loop of comparison — always feeling like I was somehow falling short. Over time, I started to notice how much it was draining me. But even more than that, it was disconnecting me from myself and from the relationships in my life that truly matter.
When I finally let it go, I definitely felt some FOMO at first. But almost immediately, something shifted. I felt less anxious. More grounded. Clearer. I got so much time and energy back — and with that came more space for presence, connection, and the things that actually nourish me.
2. Drinking Cacao
Cacao first came into my life because of its nutritional benefits — but it quickly became so much more than that.
It’s now a daily ritual that helps me feel grounded, open-hearted, and emotionally supported. Cacao contains natural compounds like anandamide (sometimes called the "bliss molecule") and phenylethylamine (PEA), which are linked to elevated mood, emotional well-being, and feelings of connection.
Drinking it feels like a gentle reset — a way to soothe my nervous system and come back to my body.
3. Listening to Music (and singing!)
Simple, but powerful. Music is medicine. When I bring music into my day — whether it’s dancing in the kitchen while I cook, singing along in the car or listening while I work — I feel more alive, more connected, and more like myself.
Your Mental Health Matters
These aren’t “solutions.” They’re just a few of the many ways I’ve learned to care for my inner world.
If you’re struggling right now, I want you to know: you’re not alone. Being human is messy and complex, and you’re allowed to feel all of it. You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to ask for help.
If you’re looking for support, I invite you to join one of my upcoming Cacao Circles — heart-centered gatherings where we sip cacao together, move gently, breathe deeply, and reconnect to our inner wisdom. Each circle is designed to support your nervous system, open your heart, and remind you that you’re not alone in this.
And if you want individual support, please reach out to me via my contact form or send me a message anytime.