Mental Health Monday-Give Yourself Grace❤
- Shalena
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Whew. I almost didn’t write this.
Not because I didn’t care. Not because I didn’t want to be consistent. But because... I forgot. My brain has been running on low battery lately, and I didn’t even realize today was Monday. Ever been there? You’re doing so much, working, parenting, surviving, healing, helping everybody else, and still feeling like you're not doing enough. But listen to me:
Sometimes, when you're carrying everything, it’s OK to drop something.
Let’s be honest… some Mondays hit harder than others. And if you're anything like me, you probably woke up today feeling like the world expects you to be “on,” productive, grateful, energized, and positive—all before your first sip of coffee.
The Truth About Mental Exhaustion
Let’s keep it real, burnout doesn’t always look like collapsing. Sometimes it looks like forgetting small things, zoning out in conversations, sleeping too much (or not enough), or snapping at people you love.
And you’re not alone in this.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year
1 in 3 Americans report feeling "burned out" regularly
Women, especially Black women, report higher levels of emotional burnout due to constant caregiving, workplace stress, and emotional labor
So if you feel tired, overwhelmed, or just off… there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re experiencing something real and valid
.
Signs You Might Be Mentally Drained (But Don’t Realize It)
Constant brain fog or forgetfulness
Feeling guilty for resting
Crying over “small” things
Snapping over things that usually wouldn’t bother you
Avoiding texts, calls, or emails because you just can’t deal
Feeling like the days are blurring together
Sound familiar? Yeah… same.
Here Are 7 Small Things That Help (Even on Your Worst Days)
1. Do a 5-Minute Brain Dump
Grab a notebook or notes app and write down everything on your mind. No filter. No order. Just get it out of your head and onto the page.
2. Drink a Full Glass of Water
Dehydration makes fatigue and stress worse. For real. Sometimes you don’t need coffee—you need water and deep breaths.
3. Set a Timer for a 10-Minute Break
No scrolling. Just sit, breathe, stretch, nap, cry, dance—whatever you need. Give yourself permission to pause.
4. Say “No” Without Explaining
If it’s draining you, it’s okay to decline without giving a whole speech. “No” is a complete sentence.
5. Do One Tiny Task
Just one. Fold 3 shirts. Reply to 1 email. Wash a dish. That one small win can kickstart momentum.
6. Speak Kindly to Yourself
Replace “I’m so behind” with “I’m moving at my own pace.” Your inner voice matters more than you think.
7. Go Outside (Even for 5 Minutes)
Sunlight and fresh air can reset your mood in ways you don’t expect. Take a walk or just sit on your porch and breathe.
Need Help? Here Are Free Mental Health Resources
NAMI HelpLine – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Provides free, confidential support and mental health information.
MentalHealth.gov – Offers tools, articles, and connections to services.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741For immediate support from trained crisis counselors, 24/7.
Therapy for Black Girls – www.therapyforblackgirls.com Culturally competent mental health resources and a therapist directory.
Inclusive Therapists – www.inclusivetherapists.com Focused on marginalized communities, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and accessibility.
Grace Over Guilt
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have it all together. You don’t need to show up as “superhuman” every day. What you do need is grace. Space. Rest. And honesty.
Your survival isn’t the only goal. Your peace matters too.
Mental Health Mantra of the Week
“I am allowed to rest. I am worthy even when I am not productive. I am doing the best I can—and that is enough.”
Let’s Talk
Have you been mentally drained lately? Forgetting things, missing deadlines, and feeling overwhelmed by the smallest tasks?
Same here. Let’s not carry it in silence. Drop a comment or message me if you need a space to vent, cry, or just say “me too.”
You are not alone. You are not lazy. You are not failing. You are just… tired. And you deserve to be held gently in that.
Let’s heal out loud. Together.
Comments