On this World Mental Health Day, it’s time to prioritise you.

For busy souls, balancing everyday demands with personal well-being can feel overwhelming. But even with a hectic schedule, nurturing your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated.

For World Mental Health Day, here are 5 thoughtful steps to help you balance life, work and personal relationships with the need for self-care, prioritising your mental well-being:

1. Schedule Micro Self-Care Moments
Begin by carving out just 5-10 minutes in her day for small, yet meaningful acts of self-care. Whether it’s mindful breathing, a quick walk outside, or enjoying a cup of tea without distractions, these micro-moments can help you reset and recharge, even in the midst of a busy schedule.

2. Set Boundaries Around Work
Establish firm boundaries between work and personal time. This could mean setting a hard stop on checking emails after a certain hour or taking short breaks during the day to avoid burnout. Encouraging a disconnect from work when possible will aid in regaining balance and reducing stress.

3. Prioritise Emotional Check-Ins
Encourage regular emotional check-ins where you can take a few moments to assess how you're feeling mentally and emotionally. Journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or simply acknowledging feelings of stress or overwhelm can prevent emotional buildup and allow you to seek support or make necessary adjustments.

4. Incorporate Relaxing Rituals
Introduce Sophia to simple, soothing rituals such as lighting a scented candle during her wind-down routine, taking a warm bath with bath salts, or meditating before bed. These grounding activities can become comforting rituals that signal her brain it’s time to relax and prioritise self-care.

5. Embrace Imperfection and Let Go of Guilt
Finally, remind yourself that self-care doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. Letting go of the guilt associated with taking time for yourself is essential. Embracing small victories and being kind to yourself will help create a more sustainable mental health routine, one that fits into your life without adding extra pressure.

By adopting these steps, you can start making mental health a priority, leading to a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilled life.