How do you nourish your mind? When a cozy throw and chats with friends over a glass of wine just aren’t enough, we’ve got you covered.

I've been wanting to write this post since I started The Woobie. But how to approach this vulnerable subject left me not doing it for 4 years. This topic has a whole month devoted to it and before May Mental Health Awareness Month gets away from me, seems like the timing is right to share some positive information.

You might be asking yourself:  “Why is the Blanket Maker talking to me about Mental Health?" Well, there's a good answer for that. I believe the two are intertwined for a few reasons. 

• When I started this business, I actually didn't know what it was going to be. I only knew that I wanted it to be something that made people feel good in their surroundings. The idea that your senses could positively affect your well being motivated me. It was only logical that I landed on a tactile, eco-friendly throw. It's art that you can snuggle. But before that happened, I settled on a name as a starting point: HAPPY HABITAT. The simple notion of living joyfully in your space.

• This journal / blog is called The Woobie. If you didn't grow up in the 80s, you might not know that term. It was coined in the movie Mr. Mom when the little boy Kenny takes his old beloved blanket, the "Woobie" everywhere. So like the the Woobie in the film, this Woobie is meant to be a place of security and comfort. It seems right we should talk about mental health.

• And last, this is slightly satisfying my dream of being an Art Therapist.

While I believe our mental health should be treated equal to our physical health as each affects the other, we often don't schedule time for our mental well being.  I have found so many good resources available online that have positively impacted me so wanted to share those with you! 

*The obvious disclaimer here is that I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be. These are just my suggestions and resources to give you some knowledge to move your mind forward. 

So without further ado, here are some quick and easy ideas to keep your head in a place of positivity and growth.

 

1. Books

• Mating in Captivity- Esther Perel
• Atomic Habits- James Clear
• The Happiness Equation- Neil Pasricha
• Lighter- Yung Pueblo

 

2. Wondermind 

I was made aware of this website as they ranked our Kenichi Throw #3 on their list of "13 Weighted Blankets People Actually Swear By".  (THANK YOU!)

Co-founded by Selena Gomez, Wondermind calls itself "The World's First Mental Fitness Eco-System" and is a great resource for mental tools and a safe place to talk about mental health. Not to mention the website is just really beautifully designed.

  

3. Podcast Listens (or hit them on Insta for a shortened version!)

• Dr. Tara Swart-  "An expert on neuroplasticity, as she spreads her message of self-care and transformation." So much science backed information connecting the mind and body. 
• Jay Shetty- look past the celebrity interview hype and you'll find some real nuggets of wisdom.
• Mel Robbins- tons of awesome brain hacks to make positive changes. Try her 5 Second Rule and her High Five Methods!
• Mark Groves- mostly relationship information, but I found it to be hugely helpful in getting to know myself outside a relationship as well.

 

4. Music and a Walk

It's true, it's fact- moving your body increases blood flow to the body and mind. I have found my stress levels significantly go down after a 30 minute walk outside. Add in some great music on headphones and my whole mindset just did a 180. I know it's kind of like someone telling you to just BREATH (also actually hugely helpful to concentrate on your breathing) but it really does work!

  

5. Journaling

Journaling has such great benefits ranging from lowering blood pressure to higher student grades. Writing has personally helped me find patterns and track my thoughts which decreases my anxiety. 

 

6. Try a Mantra

I read about this years ago and created my own mantra for what I needed at the time. 9 years later, I still find it helpful. I'll say it in the morning before my feet touch the ground, or anytime I find my stress levels rising, I'll repeat it to myself. Create your own- or I'll share mine with you:

Let go.

Let flow.

Be light.

Be love. 

 

7. Doubling Down on Therapy

I used to go to therapy on the same day that I would meet a friend for Happy Hour. Coincidentally- she also had therapy on those days. We would multiply our mental health learning experiences and share what knowledge we both walked away with. It was like a 2-for-1 power session- and much more fun to have a friend explain in their own words over drinks rather than in a therapist's office. Ask your friends what they've learned from therapy. Share the wealth- what has worked for you? Your friends might want to hear it!  And WE want to hear it-- got something that works for you? Comment below, we'd like to know! 

 

 

And while we're on this note: we've named one of our throws about this exact subject. Want to provide warmth and security to your loved ones when you can't be there? Our Checking In Throw adds just the right amount of pattern punch and coziness to warm the soul while delivering a message of care.

  

*For serious life threatening issues, call 988.

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.