I'm Ash, an RN and Health Coach Who Struggles with Mental Health

Hi! My name is Ash. 

I'm an RN and new Health Coach and I've been wanting to get into the health and wellness industry for some time.

I've been through a lot and just wanted to share some thoughts today.

This is going to be a bit long-winded but oh well.

I have come to realize that my health needs to be my #1 priority in life.

I've been through quite a few health problems already in my 31 years on this planet. 

Every time I get sick and can't function, it's a slap in the face and reminds me that NOTHING is more important than taking care of myself.

Without my health I can't do any of the things that I am passionate about.

I can't be a good mom.

I can't be a good wife or a good friend.

I can't be active, go outside and appreciate the beauty of the earth.

I can't enjoy the little moments that push me through my depression and dark days.

When I'm sick, all I can do, is try to survive and figure out how to get better.

It takes all my energy to figure out how to feel better, all my focus. And I am so fatigued that there is nothing left to give to anything or anyone else.

I hate when I go through those periods of illness because I don't get to be who I want to be.

I don't get to choose what I do each day. I don't get joy out of my passions.

I am becoming more and more aware of how I am as a person. 

Each person is so different, and I think it's important that we understand ourselves.

For example, I know that I am a very passionate person. When I like something, I become fully absorbed by this thing. I may dedicate hours and hours into this thing. I will talk to my friends and family about this thing. I will probably pressure my friends and family into also trying or participating in this thing. I will do research on this thing. I will get really excited when I talk about this thing. I might squeal, or jump up and down in some cases. I feel butterflies in my stomach and excitement in my bones. I go ALL IN. And I have BIG feelings. 

However, with these BIG feelings, comes ups and downs of emotions. I have never been a steady, stable, always okay kind of a person. I am either up, or I'm down. It's like a curvy wave of ups and downs for me and I have come to expect that.

I used to think that the waves of ups and downs were inevitable and unchangeable. 

Now I've learned during my health journey, that there are things I can do daily that will help me stay "up." 

Some of these things are:

-Taking 5 minutes in the morning to set my intentions for the day

-Hydrating first thing in the morning

-Writing down 3 things I'm grateful for

-Eating whole foods the majority of the time

-Weight lifting

-10-15 minutes in the sauna

-Going for a walk

-Doing a kind deed for someone else

-Taking 5-10 minutes to do some type of meditative exercise (yoga, meditation or prayer)

-Dedicating at least 10-15 minutes to playing with my kids with no distractions

-Sitting for 5 minutes and drinking a cup of hot herbal tea and just breathing.

I can't fit all of these things into each and every day. However, if I prioritize them, then I am much more likely to be 'up." that day, and the next, and the next. And when I do have a down day, it won't be as far down.

It's been extremely difficult to make lasting lifestyle changes alongside managing my mental health struggles. It is such a hard thing to do both. 

Many days, I realize it's most important to just survive the day.

I hope and trust that I will feel good enough tomorrow or in a few days to go back to my healthy habits.

It's so important to give ourselves grace and BE COMPASSIONATE with yourself as you would for your very best friend.