- How do you define mental wellness?
Mental wellness, for me, entails a sense of inner peace and feeling emotionally resilient enough to get through life’s stresses. It means I’m thriving in life – not merely surviving. ☺️
2. Can you share any habits or routines you follow to nurture your mental health?
- Setting boundaries, particularly around my time of rest – like taking proper lunch breaks at work, knowing when my workday ends, and not working on weekends unless it’s absolutely unavoidable.
- Prioritizing rest. As a mom, this is easier said than done, but I’m becoming more intentional about taking time out.
- Starting my day mindfully has been especially grounding lately. This includes Bible devotion, deep breaths, and a short prayer. I also try to list my tasks for the next day the evening before, so I enter the new day with more clarity.
- I try to incorporate little things that spark joy during the day e.g. reading, watching funny reels on IG, discovering new music, coloring, etc.
- Connecting with the people I love. Speaking to my siblings over video/ voice calls, chatting with friends I haven’t seen in a while, and having meaningful conversations filled with laughter really nurtures my mental health, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
3. How do you recognize when you’re not doing well mentally and how do you cope in those moments?
- I know I’m not doing well when I start feeling persistently overwhelmed, anxious, highly irritable, or when I find myself lashing out at those I deeply love and care about.
- Another telltale sign is losing interest in things I usually enjoy. For me, my reading is often the first to take a hit. If I’m in a reading slump, it’s usually a sign that I’m not in a good mental space.
- When I find myself in that place, I’ve learned to talk to my dear husband, who is also my accountability partner 🥰.
- Taking a break from unnecessary obligations also really helps. It’s okay to pause – to skip the gym, to have a cheat day, or just cut myself some slack here and there. I’m learning that giving myself grace in those moments is a big part of getting back on track with my mental wellness.
- How do you define mental wellness?
Mental wellness refers to a state of cognitive, emotional, psychological, and social well-being of a person, and how to manage these aspects in daily living effectively for a more fulfilling life. It can also mean that in the presence of a mental illness, the person can effectively manage the condition through healthy coping strategies alongside any psychological and/or medical intervention.
2. Can you share any habits or routines you follow to nurture your mental health?
- Quiet time for introspection. This has helped me in challenging irrational thoughts and generalisations.
- Eating well. I’m grateful that I don’t have to struggle with this.
- Getting enough sleep. I average around 7 hours of sleep a day, which is enough to consider myself well rested.
- Informal research on how to manage any psychological issue I am facing at the time. I like watching YouTube videos by certified mental health practitioners for insights. I also recently started acquiring books on various mental health issues.
- Being consistent in journaling. I find it easier to do it on paper.
- Breaking up tasks into time-defined steps. I find that this is a better motivator for me to begin and sustain a task. For example, instead of saying I need to read 10 pages of a book, I’ll say I’ll read for 10 minutes. I also need regular breaks because my attention span is rather short.
3. How do you recognize when you’re not doing well mentally and how do you cope in those moments?
Signs:
- Anxious, repetitive thoughts.
- Mood swings.
- Feeling overwhelmed or mentally exhausted.
- Loss of interest in activities I once enjoyed.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity.
- Self-isolation.
Coping Mechanisms:
- Practicing Self-Compassion by challenging my self-criticism and acknowledging my feelings.
- Journaling.
- Reading the Bible and praying.
- Watching filler entertainment as a way of self-soothing.
- Mindfulness by focusing on the here and now and on one thing at a time.
- When things get thick, I seek out counseling.
Mental wellness is a continuing process. Honestly, there are areas I have neglected or not worked on. But I am giving myself grace that I don’t have to be perfect, but that does not stop me from taking steps to better myself and develop my self-awareness and self-esteem.
Janet N
- How do you define mental wellness?
I define my mental wellness as having inner peace. When I am contented with myself inside and out. Starting my day off with positive energy and ending it on a high note feeling accomplished.
2. Can you share any habits or routines you follow to nurture your mental health?
- Sleep. A rest is as good as change and for me this is one of the habits I consciously put in effort to consistently maintain. Being able to stay indoors on a Friday or Saturday evening, enjoying a good night’s rest then waking up early the next day to a relaxing morning weekend routine before starting the day is a refreshing change to my busy weekday routine. And of course, when I do have to party, you can be sure that I am going all out 😊.
- Journalling. It has been one of the most therapeutic experiences that I have rediscovered, to put pen to paper and write my thoughts away. It really does feel like my burdens are being lifted off because I am actualizing them which in turns allows me to brainstorm practical solutions in dealing with challenges. This isn’t always the case though, that a magical solution presents itself, but it is a positive step to processing or even healing.
- Music. This has always been a big part of my life. Everyone needs a soundtrack to commemorate different moments in their lives be it happy, sad, loud or carefree. Let’s just say I am never without a good Spotify playlist at hand.
- Cleaning. Yes, this is surprisingly very calming for me. Being OCD and seeing a space transform to clean or even organized not only signifies decluttering of my physical space but also of my thoughts and mind.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I am staunch believer in living a healthy lifestyle, and what I eat must be beneficial to my system. Being active and on the move is something I also strive to do. Do I consider myself to be at the peak of my healthy lifestyle, not by a long shot, but I can say I am proud with the journey I have started and look forward to it only getting better.
3. How do you recognize when you’re not doing well mentally and how do you cope in those moments?
Having battled severe depression a couple of years back to a point that I was unable to leave my house for over a month let alone get out of bed was one of the lowest moments in my life. I made a cognizant decision to never end up in that dark place again. Prioritizing my mental health is always at the forefront for me. It is something I vocalize in all spaces I enter, be it personal or professional. It helps me set clear boundaries on what I can tolerate and what or who does not need to be in my space. Having healthy routines and a well-balanced lifestyle keeps me motivated and mentally prepared to handle different obstacles. Choosing to put myself first allows me to manifest the happiest version of myself that I want people to see and in turn to wholly immerse myself in the people and projects I choose to pursue. Stepping out of my comfort zone gives me confidence in my capabilities. I don’t want to say I have developed coping mechanisms to deal with depression, instead I want to focus on the positives which is being the best version of myself. Simply put, I owe it to myself and there is no one who will understand or accept who I am if it doesn’t come from me.
- How do you define mental wellness?
Lately mental health means clarity, peace and empowerment. Lately I’ve felt weighed down by confusion and a restless mind—never quite sure where one thought ends and the next begins, or why a simple decision feels like climbing a steep hill. I’ve always known how powerful the mind can be—after all, it controls everything, and all too often it becomes a battlefield.
2. Can you share any habits or routines you follow to nurture your mental health?
When my mind clears, I see the world—and myself—without distortion. I know my priorities and feel confident in choices both big and small. That clarity didn’t come from some sudden insight but from the practice of quieting the chatter: I meditate every night, pressing play on high-frequency sounds or gospel music that raises my energy even as they hush my thoughts. The hum and pulse of those tones carry me gently into sleep, and I wake feeling lighter, more present—ready to face whatever the day brings.
There was a time I didn’t even recognize peace. My old journals are full of pain, frustration and dashed hopes—pages of “why me” stories as well as victories. Digging them out reminded me how stuck I was in that rut. Picking up my pen again has felt like reuniting with an old friend: I pour out disappointments, yes, but I also spill in gratitude and fresh ideas. Seeing my own progress on the page—how I’ve weathered storms and found meaning—brings a calm. As Eckhart Tolle says, “Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” That stillness has become my secret toolkit for finding peace, even in the chaos.
There is nothing as refreshing as laughter under the sun, trading “stories za jaba” with my sister friends. We shred our latest embarrassments, our big dreams, the ridiculous bits that make them wince before we crack up laughing. Those soul sessions remind me I’m part of something larger than my own worries—and that connection gives me strength.
3. How do you recognize when you’re not doing well mentally and how do you cope in those moments?
I know I’m not well when I lock myself away, immobilized by my own thoughts. Even as the “strong one,” I’ve been humbled by how often I feel small and unable to cope. Admitting that vulnerability has been both painful and freeing: painful because it means I’m not invincible, and freeing because it opens the door to real help. That’s why I’m now considering therapy.
Mental health, I’ve learned, isn’t a finish line. It’s a practice—a set of choices I make each day: to sit with sound, to write without judgment, to laugh until my ribs ache, and yes, to reach out when I need support beyond my own keeping. In embracing these habits and asking for help, I’m honoring the wellbeing of my mind—and discovering how bright life can be when I do.
Nyokabi
- How do you define mental wellness?
When I am able to function properly in my personal and professional life. The days I feel I have a good balance are the ones I’d say I am in a good mental space.
2. Can you share any habits or routines you follow to nurture your mental health?
What has worked previously was working out (hitting the gym proper) and city breaks. Current habit is taking long walks and going to church (listening to spiritual leaders and songs).
3. How do you recognize when you’re not doing well mentally and how do you cope in those moments?
- When I don’t want to hangout or talk to people – how I handle this, I cut them off and take time for myself
- Emotionally unstable, teary and nothing makes sense – I sit on these feelings, pray or walk them away.
It’s been a while since I felt all these things because I try to put myself first in all situations these days. My biggest fear is one day everything comes crumbling again and I find myself in an unstable mental state. God forbid.
In conclusion, I just love this season for me. I get to experience good mental wellbeing and I don’t take it for granted ❤️
Sherine
Lwile the Leo 