Capacity and Mental Health
This past weekend, I spent two days filling up my heart and my mind. I had the pleasure of attending the Gem Conference and was privileged to hear phenomenal women in business speak about their journey to entrepreneurial success. I can’t even begin to explain how inspiring it was.
I learned so much about using the digital sphere to elevate both your brand and your voice. I learned about the power of storytelling. I learned how to take an idea and create something meaningful and impactful. More than this, I learned some amazing life-lessons.
One idea that was covered was the concept of capacity.
Capacity can be explained by using the metaphor of a battery. Some batteries are full of energy and can continue to power-on. At the same time, some batteries are totally drained and need time to recharge. The first step when reflecting on your capacity is recognizing how full or empty you are in the present moment. The next step is taking action. If you have room for more, than take on projects. However, if you are living and working beyond your ability to cope, then you need to slow down.
It got me thinking about my own capacity and how much that capacity has shifted since my divorce and descent into depression.
Four years ago, at this time, my marriage fell apart. When I think back to that time, it’s hard not to get emotional thinking about the broken person that I was. I barely had the capacity to get out of bed, nevermind adequately tend to friendships, be present at my job, or do the day-to-day things that needed to get done.
When I compare that to my capacity today, I feel unlimited gratitude for where I’m at. I’m so thankful for how I’ve healed. I feel blessed for the strength I have to not only accomplish the day-to-day things, but to go after big goals. Reflecting on the capacity I have right now has made me very aware of how fluid personal-capacity truly is.
My level of capacity is very dependent on my mental health.
The high level of capacity I currently have to achieve things in my life stems from the fact that I prioritize my mental and emotional needs. I have accumulated a variety of tools in my mental health toolbox and I use them daily. Any power I have to accomplish small day-to-day tasks, or attend to big goals is because I prioritize self-care and wellness and use the tools I have.
Personally, I know that it’s extremely important for me to take breaks during the day, meditate, journal, make time for my tribe, stay active, practice yoga, practice gratitude and spend time in nature. These habits are invaluable to me because my mental health depends on it. Without that, my capacity to do anything is shot.
Have you thought about your capacity lately? Are you overdoing things? Overworking? Are you already full and don’t have the capacity to take on more? Do you need to scale back? Are you engaging in habits that will help you be healthy, holistically? Are you truly prioritizing your mental health?
It’s important you take the time to reflect on your own capacity. Start there. Then, take the necessary steps to prioritize self-care.
Your happiness and health depend on it.