March 15th, 2022

Mirralle Bennett, MHRM

Self-Care & Wellness Associate 

Happy Women’s History Month, as we take time to celebrate the women in all our amazing grace, strength, and beauty. The best part of Women’s History Month is we are transitioning from Black History Month, and all the feelings of being empowered. The popular social media sound, “It’s a beautiful day to be a black woman” serves as the vibe for March. 

As I sit and reflect on all the things going on around us, there are moments that feel empowering, and some are overwhelming. March 2020 the world shut down, life as we knew it was changed forever. Now here we are 2 years later, we are starting to see the hope, and we have settled into a new normal. On the other hand, we are facing war in Europe, inflation, yet again more uncertain times. This seems to be the cycle we are in. It is a lot to consume and process daily. This has brought me to redefining my boundaries, in a way that gives me control over what I am consuming, feeling throughout the day, and sticking to my daily self-care routine is a boundary that is set.

Boundaries are important in maintaining balance in life. And with so much taking place right now, balance is what we may need. Here is a checklist for daily self-care and setting boundaries to help you along the way.

Starting with the small but simple things to start the day, a small thought of gratitude, and speaking kindness to myself. On the side of my bed, I have a coaster with the quote “Start each day with a grateful heart” the daily reminder as when I grab my glasses is to be thankful. I can read the coaster. My vision is far from 20/20 but with the aid of my glasses I can see. I am thankful for that. Some mornings are a rush. I may not be as intentional with my gratitude for the day. If all I have in me is a “Thank you for another day”, that is fine.

Set your phone on do not disturb, even for a few moments just to tune into yourself. Take the time you need to process the moments you are feeling, even if it is for just 20 minutes. Be intentional with the time you are taking for yourself.

​When the day gets too overwhelming, take a moment to mind dump. Write down everything that is overwhelming. Start scratching off the things that you can put off or you do not need to do at this very moment. Then move your way up to what absolutely must be done. And focus your energy on what has to be done.

It has been over 18 months since I’ve had to get dressed and go into the office once a week. I make it a priority to get dressed for the day. It does feel good to wear actual pants not sweats. I feel like it gives me a little boost and refresher to get through the week.

Another great thing about March is the weather is breaking. We are getting more day light. There is opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. For me, it’s been nice to get outside and get a walk in. My goal for March is small, 5000 steps in a day. Moment of honesty, some days I don’t even get 2000 steps in and that’s okay.
Remember self-care is not selfish its self-full. You cannot pour from an empty cup!
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Have a wonderful March!

Mirralle Bennett, MHRM

​Mirralle is in the Coast Guard Reserve, and Logistics Specialist as a civilian for the Army. Self Care has been a focus for the last 6 years, after being left empty it was time to fill my cup with love, be kind to myself for all that brought me to the place I was in life. I'm here to normalize self care, we often spend is much time caring for others and forget about self. It’s important we as black women need to prioritize caring for self.   
@Justmirralle_