In 2020, when I and the world was going through some shit, I learned from my therapist how to incorporate what she called “Tools and Practices.” It is important for everyone to develop their own Tools and Practices to keep them centered and to bring them back to the frequency of well-being.

Tools and Practices are techniques, strategies, and resources that individuals can use to prioritize their well-being, maintain emotional balance, and support their mental health.

Tools and Practices serve as an arsenal of tools that one needs to achieve their center point, their point of well-being. These tools and practices should be replenishing you with good recharging energy and not drain you.

Some very common practices are: get enough sleep, exercise, hydrate, eat well…you know, the healthy practices we ALL have been told are important since childhood.

But there are others!

Other Examples of Tools and Practices are:

1. Journaling

Keeping a journal allows you to get everything out of your head. I have multiple journals that I use (and not everyday). I have one to help me stay focused on my goals and completed tasks, I have another spiritual journal where I write my gratitude, prayers and revelations. Journaling has been a game-changer for me.

2. Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness helps me to manage ADHD. I aim to meditate 20 minutes a day and to be mindful at different moments throughout the day. Something as simple as being in the present moment replenishes your body and soul. Thinking and worrying drains the body of energy, but the present moment (the only moment) is energy filled.

Take the next 15 seconds to be in the present moment and FEEL the difference. DON’T THINK! Engage your senses. Listen. See. Just BE!

Don’t think about the difference, but FEEL the difference between your mind being elsewhere but the present moment. To think is very draining. BEING is energizing.

3. Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. This is a tool I use when I need to recenter quickly. Deep breathing is truly a reset to the body. It calms and relaxes the body. Be mindful of your breathing because it is a great physical indication on how your inner being is doing.

4. Creative Outlets

I use gardening and I really like to dance. What is a form of self-expression can you do to energize your soul? Do you like art? Museums? Writing? Pour into a creative outlet that feeds your soul and your body will thank you.

Remember, everyone’s arsenal is different and WILL change. As you grow and evolve as a person, your center point changes and your Tools and Practices must adapt. My Tools and Practices are CONSTANTLY evolving.

Self-care and mental health practices will vary for each person, and it's important to find what works best for you. Experiment with different tools and practices, and PRIORITIZE yourself and your self-care as an ongoing part of your life.

Good luck!