May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to pause, breathe, and get real about the stress, pressure, and emotional overwhelm so many of us carry quietly. It’s also a time to lovingly remind ourselves (and each other) that wellness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
While therapy and medication are essential tools for many, a holistic approach invites us to complement traditional care with practices that soothe the nervous system, spark creativity, and bring us back to center. That’s where art, sound, breath, and energy come in. Let’s dive into four powerful and accessible modalities that can support your emotional wellness journey this month (and beyond!).
Zentangle: Mindful Drawing, Not Doodling 😉
Zentangle is a mindful drawing method that requires no artistic experience. Created to help you focus, relax, and feel more grounded, it involves drawing structured patterns—called “tangles”—one deliberate stroke at a time. And yes, it really is as calming as it sounds.
Why It Works:
- Promotes mindfulness and focus
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Encourages creativity and self-expression
Try This:
Grab a pen and a small square of paper. Draw a simple border. Inside, add a light pencil string (a squiggly shape or loop). Now, pick a pattern—like lines, dots, or curves—and slowly fill in each section. Don’t overthink. There are no mistakes here—just happy surprises.
Psst! Want to learn in person? Join my beginner Zentangle class on May 30 or 31—just $15 this month (normally $75!). 🎉
Sound Healing: Let the Good Vibrations Flow 🎶
Sound healing uses frequencies and vibrations to help balance your energy and calm your mind. Whether it’s a crystal singing bowl or a softly played gong, the gentle hum can feel like a mental massage—no effort required.
Benefits:
- Deep relaxation and reduced anxiety
- Improved sleep and emotional clarity
- Helps reset your nervous system
Try This:
Start small. Create a calming playlist with crystal bowls or Tibetan chimes. Listen while lying down, eyes closed, hands on your heart. Or, if you’ve got one, play your own bowl at home—let it ring out slowly and feel the vibration ripple through you.
Breathwork: Your Built-In Reset Button 💨
When life gets chaotic, your breath is always there, waiting to guide you back to calm. Breathwork is more than just “taking a deep breath”—it’s a mindful practice that signals your brain and body to slow down, soften, and let go.
Quick Reset Practice:
Try Box (or Square) Breathing—used by Navy SEALs and yoga practitioners alike:
- Inhale for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Exhale for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Repeat for 1–2 minutes and notice the shift.
Tip: Set a phone reminder to breathe like this before school pickup, during your lunch break, or anytime your inner chaos coordinator starts taking over.
Reiki: Gentle Energy for Emotional Healing ✋✨
Reiki is a Japanese technique that promotes healing by guiding energy through the body. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and oh-so-calming. Think of it as an energetic hug—whether from a trained practitioner or through your own hands.
Why Try Reiki?
- Supports emotional release and balance
- Calms anxiety and clears mental fog
- Restores a sense of peace and inner connection
How to Start:
- Book a session with a certified Reiki practitioner.
- Or try a mini self-Reiki moment: Place one hand on your heart, the other on your belly. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Stay there for 5–10 minutes. Let your hands be the comfort you need today.
Bringing It All Together
Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s a quilt of practices that nourish you—mind, body, and soul. Zentangle helps focus your mind, sound healing calms your nervous system, breathwork resets your inner balance, and Reiki nurtures your emotional energy.
If you’re feeling stressed, stretched, or just plain stuck, I invite you to explore one (or all) of these practices this month. Small steps lead to big shifts—and you don’t have to do it alone.
💚 Ready to Begin?
✨ Come tangle with me! My beginner Zentangle classes on May 30 and 31 are just $15 (usually $75!) in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. A little peace, a little ink, and a whole lot of heart.
Let’s make May more mindful—together.
