Mental health tips
“Every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.”
I’ve faced a decent amount of rejection the last 1.5 weeks (shoutout to IB programs, Cornell clubs, etc.). I’ll admit, rejection can be HARD. I sat in my bed for ~2 days eating cookies and caught up on Bachelor episodes during my temporary sulk period. However, i will say, #comebackszn feels SO GOOD.
Hello abs!! Long time no see.
Disclaimer: Can I just say that I have the most amazing friends and parents on this planet? I’d like to introduce the names of some of my favorite people:
Summer Rhodes (best friend since 2nd grade), Nicole Masri (best friend since summer camp before 3rd grade), Muhammad Abdulla (another best friend since high school junior year), Dylan Petrello (Cornell best friend), Katarina Straub (Cornell best friend), and Joely Live (best friend since August 2018 LOL). Whether it be always answering my FaceTime calls, boosting my confidence, sending me care packages, or spontaneously taking me out for cake, they have helped me SQUASH my slump.
Specifically, I’d like to shoutout Nicole for staying on a FaceTime call with me for 2 hours as we made a list of ways to improve mental health. I realized that I could not be in an unproductive slump and let rejections determine my worth. I KNOW my worth, I KNOW myself, and I simply wouldn’t allow it (and if you’re going through a rough patch, you shouldn’t allow it either). So, I sought the internet. I rushed into research for the next 24 hours ways to make MYSELF happy, and I realized you can never be too busy to make time for yourself.
It’s been a week since my slump and I can honestly say I have never felt better.
Whether you’re in a slump yourself or not, prioritizing your happiness is SO important. Below is a list of tried AND TRUE things that helped me get out of what could’ve been a HORRIBLE period for my mental health:
I made a list of every single thing that upset me/stressed me out
then, I defined each item on the list as controllable and uncontrollable, followed by a list of ways I could fix each controllable item listed.
I reviewed my solutions which would involve purchases, and made a list of “things to buy.”
this list of things to buy included other things unrelated to specific worries, but things research suggested would improve my health as well. the list included:
a Vogue coloring book from amazon (not having an artistic outlet was bugging me)
a giant young Frank Sinatra poster to complete my magazine wall (unfinished decorations stressed me out)
signing up for a $350 basic rock climbing class
makeup wipes and miscellar water (acne is such a stressor)
a reusable water bottle (I was annoyed by myself for being an environmentalist and still not owning a water bottle, so I just bought a pink one from Klean Kanteen and I’m in LOVE)
Pomegranate juice bottles (I was craving this drink so badly)
MONQ essential oil pens
I started blaring my favorite music playlist on Spotify (Zipper- created by me) filled with some of my favorite upbeat songs
Next, I made a list of things I was grateful for.
I accepted the next invitation I received to go out.
I started using the “Alexa, start my day feature” and did Alexis Ren’s 10-minute ab workout IMMEDIATELY upon waking up from my alarm (which is now at 9:40 every single morning for consistency and respect for my circadian rhythm)
I used every mental health app I had downloaded (Shine, Headspace, and HappyNotPerfect) for the next 3 days straight
I prepared my next few blogs about the environment, because being an ally makes me feel good/fulfilled
I promised myself to eat healthier, drink more water, and exercise EVERY time I felt the urge to
SUPER IMPORTANT BULLET: I re-evaluated my purpose in life and career goals. I re-evaluated my strengths/skills. I took about 5 career tests. I realized I am more creative and like to make other people happy. Thus, I started an entire internship search for things that would make me happy, not just rich.
I researched “why people procrastinate” and discovered that it was mostly due to insecurity and fear of failure. There is nothing to fear, though. So make the first step by starting something early and then work through it. Procrastination worsens the fear!
I smiled and said hi to everyone I saw in public again. Smiling is proven to make you happier!
Overall, I feel MUCH happier. I feel new friendships forming, my creative side returning, hydration working, abs ripping, and procrastination ending.
Find what makes you happy. Know your worth. Rejection is an opportunity.
I hope this helped you.
Below are some of the fave ppl i mentioned above.
P.S. Thank u, next.
