Kelly Nason compares a woman’s mental load to a laptop with eighty seven tabs open. “That’s how I feel my brain is!” she tells me.
Kelly’s daily tabs reflect her responsibilities as a mother of two boys, the owner of Santosha Yoga/Therapy Studio, a licensed therapist and a yoga instructor. Additionally, she keeps a list of daily tasks and self-care activities. She even schedules her time for fun!
“I make sure of it," she says, "If I want it to happen, I must intentionally schedule it!”
Kelly opened Santosha Studio over a year ago after a breast cancer diagnosis led her to reflect on her mortality. She followed her dream of creating a yoga and mental therapy studio. Thus, Santosha Studio was born!
“There is a strong connection between the body and mind. And there is significant overlap between the fields of therapy and yoga," Kelly says.
Here are some of Kelly's tips for cultivating mental well-being.
1. Closing ‘Tabs’
She encourages women to close some of the excess tabs by setting alarms, making lists, using technology, delegating tasks, being open to receiving help and letting go of control. She points out, “Our mental load is so intense that if we can remove one task, like remembering to take the trash out on Monday, by setting a weekly recurring alarm, we won’t have to worry about it anymore."
2. Living in the ‘Now’
“Focus on what you feel and what is true in the moment. It relates closely to the senses. Ground yourself in the present by focusing on what you can see, hear, taste, touch and smell. This practice helps you avoid worrying about the past or the future. It’s about being present and not stressing over all the what-ifs," Kelly encourages.
3. Reframing Self-Defeating Thoughts
Kelly explains, "Stop judging yourself. We often say, 'I should have done that,' or 'I shouldn’t have done that.' We think, 'I should feel this way,' or 'I shouldn’t feel this way.' This is black-and-white thinking. Instead, try to view things more objectively, considering them preferences rather than absolutes. You can notice, observe and accept your feelings instead of asking, 'What’s wrong with me?'"
4. Quieting the Body
Kelly brings up, “We carry emotional baggage and clutter in our bodies. Yoga helps to release it. Additionally, having a space for your mental health, such as a therapist or someone to talk to, is incredibly beneficial."
Santosha offers 12 different types of yoga, seven licensed therapists, free classes, special events and ‘Relax’- a monthly spa experience featuring Aveda facial and body treatments, progressive relaxation and guided meditation.
Visit SantoshaStudios.com for all the details.