Staying balanced can be difficult during the best of times — and all the more difficult lately due to extraordinary circumstances. Here’s what some of the Coast’s most successful women have to say about maintaining mental wellbeing:
“Always be your own best friend, your own cheerleader and your own biggest advocate. If you don’t think highly of yourself, no one else will. It is never too late to achieve new goals.”
Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
Medical provider/educator/women’s advocate
“Ensure you find your center of peace — that one thing that keeps you grounded in the middle of chaos.”
LaWanda Jones
Senior development manager, American Cancer Society
“I absolutely have to take some time every day to reground myself – especially after a meeting or speaking engagement. I need complete isolation from people, even if it’s just for five to 10 minutes, to recharge and reset. I find music really helps me set the tone of my day as well. While I’m working in ‘the zone’ on important tasks that require my full attention (bookkeeping, client intake prep, grant writing, etc.), I put on some acoustic guitar in the background and keep distractions to a minimum. If I’m working in design mode (general communications, public relations, marketing/graphics), I prefer techno or pop and can tolerate more interruptions, so I save those tasks for after I pick the kiddos up from school. As long as I’m productive, knocking out that to-do list, my mental health is good, and I am much better able to enjoy time with my family rather than constantly worrying about what else needs to be done.”
Geneva Dummer
Owner/operator, The Meeting Place
“There are two things I always do: Give thanks and praise to the divine creator of life for another day on earth and meditate. A clear mind and heart always lead to a healthier life!”
Sabrina Stallworth
Owner/creator, AllBottledUpByBre LLC
“Mental wellness is so important, especially with today’s busy lifestyles. My advice, to keep your mind focused, is simply to stop and enjoy the small things in your daily routine. Often times, we focus on the many tasks at hand and can become overwhelmed. Simple things can refocus our mind on what is truly important.”
Leslie Kelley
Senior vice president – business development, Community Bank of Mississippi
“1. This, too, shall pass! 2. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. 3. Love what you do, and you never work a day in your life.”
Ann Marie Walley
Owner, Antonian Salon
“Focus on how you can add value to the world. If you are wondering what your own personal life mission is, follow your dreams; they will lead you there. Stick with what is true to you. No matter what is going on in our lives right now, our only guarantee is our life purpose. So, in my moments of panic and confusion, instead of pumping my brain for answers, I have learned to continue to focus on my purpose.”
Leslie Ramon
Owner, Ramon Insurance; executive director, Loaves and Fishes
“Budget at least 15 to 30 minutes for your self-care every day. Take a relaxing bath, go for a walk or curl up with a book. The world won’t crumble in those minutes, but what it will do for your wellness is extraordinary.”
Heather Eason
Founder/CEO, Comeback Coolers
“I give myself permission to sit in the uncomfortable moments, to not be ok and break down about it. Then, I give myself the power to get up and move on. This is both healthy and necessary”
LeKeisha T. Cotten
Singer, minister and business owner
“Know the difference between an acquaintance, a friend and a friend who’s got your back; there’s a wealth of difference.”
Paula Vega Vondenstein
Lyricist/producer, Bible Belt Blues