A strong community of people who are willing to share their part of their stories is a great way to lift up those around them. We are so grateful to these six local ladies who were willing to share some of the ways they take care of themselves and hope they serve as reminders that taking care of our mental health doesn’t always have to be BIG.

Becky Helms

What gift or knowledge do you share with others?
I think my biggest gifts are my empathetic heart and my humor. I can be too trusting but at the same time that opens me up to bonding with people in a special way. I also have the gift of humor. In my line of work you have to laugh so you don’t cry.

How does your work as a nurse tie into taking care of your mental health?
People always assume that working three, 12 hour shifts a week isn’t a full time job. What they aren’t seeing is the emotional and physical toll that each shift is taking on us. At the end of the day, I have seen some tragic things, but it has made me not take my life for granted and I am thankful for that. I always give myself a recharge day on my days off. Binge my favorite show, get a massage, get my nails done, or just spend time with loved ones.

What is one thing in your wellness toolbox that you wish more people did?
Talk about their mental health struggles. If everyone was more open and honest,I think they would be very surprised that they are not alone. The world has been so crazy these last two years. It’s ok not to be ok!

Cornelia Issa

What gift do you share with others?
I do my best to make everyone I encounter feel seen.

How does your work as a Mōtiv Fitness instructor tie into mental health?
It’s a huge blessing to work in an environment where there’s a strong emphasis on movement and community. The relationships I’ve created and built through Mōtiv have helped support and lift me when I needed it the most. Being able to move my body in some capacity throughout the week has a tremendous impact on my mental health. It provides me an outlet when I feel frustrated and an endorphin kick when I feel down. In that same regard, teaching fitness classes requires that I also emphasize down time and resting. I’m constantly pouring out so I prioritize stillness and doing the things that fill me back up so I’m not pouring from an empty cup.

What is one wellness tool that you wish more people did?
Take more mindful deep breaths throughout the day. The benefits for our nervous system as well as the opportunity to use our breath to reset/release/soften/relax/draw in/visualize/surrender/etc., are endless!

Courtney Prochaska

Kathleen Pieratt

How does your work as a family photographer tie into taking care of your mental health?
It’s my creative outlet! Getting to create and capture special memories allows me to step outside of all my other roles and duties and do something that I LOVE, that’s just for me.

What is one thing in your wellness toolbox that you wish more people did?
Whenever I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed I’ll make time in my schedule for a massage. Sometimes it’s only 30 mins but it helps me get my thoughts in order and relax a bit.

Marcia Smart

What gift do you share with others?
I do my best to make everyone I encounter feel seen.

How does your work as a Mōtiv Fitness instructor tie into mental health?
It’s a huge blessing to work in an environment where there’s a strong emphasis on movement and community. The relationships I’ve created and built through Mōtiv have helped support and lift me when I needed it the most. Being able to move my body in some capacity throughout the week has a tremendous impact on my mental health. It provides me an outlet when I feel frustrated and an endorphin kick when I feel down. In that same regard, teaching fitness classes requires that I also emphasize down time and resting. I’m constantly pouring out so I prioritize stillness and doing the things that fill me back up so I’m not pouring from an empty cup.

What is one wellness tool that you wish more people did?
Take more mindful deep breaths throughout the day. The benefits for our nervous system as well as the opportunity to use our breath to reset/release/soften/relax/draw in/visualize/surrender/etc., are endless!

Mimi Meacham

What gift or knowledge do you share with others?
Architecture, space planning and interior design has always been a passion of mine and came naturally to me.  I’ve always known that the layout and design of a home is an integral part of how family and friends feel in the space. From that intention, I get to use my gifts to guide my clients through the process of dreaming and creating a space that they are proud to live everyday life in! 

What does interior design and being a Mom have to do with taking care of your mental health?
I enjoyed 7 years as a stay-at-home mom while we grew our family by 3 little ones. I cherished the days of nap times, toddler gym and park days, but always knew that the creative expression I enjoyed through interior design was growing and evolving and that when it was time to prioritize it, I would know. After our youngest was around a year old and our girls were in school, I started to feel that nudge and decided that it was time for me to really explore my options. Since launching Marian Louise Designs in January, I am having so much fun developing the brand and indulging my creative passion, but I have also learned a lot about balancing my different roles as mom, wife, designer, friend, sister, etc.. I love that my kids are able to witness me working hard and making things work! Now, my life feels more balanced between mom life, work life and me time, which brings joy, anticipation and fulfillment along with it. 

What is one thing in your wellness toolbox that you wish more people did?
I prioritize sleep because without my 8 hours, there would be no way I could tackle my daily to-do’s! I have a pretty regular bedtime ritual that nourishes and relaxes me to get ready for the night. After the kids are in bed, I take a hot bath with lavender epsom salts, then my face routine, and lastly a cup of chamomile tea in bed with a book, which I usually never get through 2 pages before passing out. 😉