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With the New Year here, I have taken some time to reflect on 2017 and started a game plan for 2018. During that reflection, I started to visually flip through my index of accomplishments from last year, and one thing that really stood out for me was something I finally tried after years of saying, \u201cI\u2019ll do it, I\u2019ll do it..\u201d<\/p>\n

I took a yoga class.<\/p>\n

And more than once \u2014 I went back a few times and really worked on my mental health while at the gym, not just my physical health. Doing this made me realize how much I was neglecting my mental health needs.<\/p>\n

Meditation and focusing on your breath increases brain function in its entirety, while improving mindfulness, your mood, and the ability to focus. While at the same time, reducing stress.<\/p>\n

And even though I didn\u2019t understand half the words that were spoken by the instructor, I just mimicked the elderly people on each side of me to get through it. And yes, I purposely positioned myself between two older people, thinking it will make me feel better than standing next to some well seasoned yoga enthusiasts.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

But they were both well seasoned. And instead of being discouraged, I became inspired.<\/b> Look at these amazing bodies, stronger and more flexible than I had assumed they would be!<\/p>\n

I was most surprised at how sore I was after the class. Who knew holding a position for a few breaths would be such a workout. But the best part was that I felt like I didn\u2019t just get a physical workout, I got a mental one too!<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s one thing that really resonated with me about the class (and really, the only part I understood), was at the end while in tree pose. While in this position, we were instructed to imagine our toes like roots, becoming one with the earth and strengthening your foundation.<\/p>\n

Then we lifted our hands above our heads, imagining the growth and change within our tree and\u00a0 the strength that keeps us grounded in the winds of adulting (my words).<\/p>\n

Once I was standing tall, with my roots strong and hands above my head acting like the branches of my growth, I was instructed to reach my arms outward, growing my tree and finding balance in the wind.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when it hit me. I was struggling to find balance in the wind. Trying to be the best at everything I do, had me feeling less than adequate in most of the areas of my life.<\/b><\/p>\n

So I have started to focus on the root of it all (couldn\u2019t help it- I love puns!). I am focusing on feeling more grounded, feeding the roots of my tree by cultivating self-love, stability, and a sense of self-security. I want to grow my tree strong by meditating more often, strengthening my relationships with those closest to me, and taking the time to put self care into each and every day.<\/p>\n

I hope that reading this, you are inspired to work on your own self care and mental health. That you dedicate some time to strengthen your own roots and grow your tree.<\/p>\n