Welcome to 2025, where self-care gets a glow-up! This year, let’s flip the script on how we care for ourselves and others. At Broadmind, we’re all about starting the year with fresh vibes, big ideas, and a sprinkle of fun. Enter The Stack — your new go-to mental health map. It’s not just self-care; it’s self-discovery with a twist.
The Stack: Your Mental Health Mall Map
Picture this: You’re at a shopping mall. Do you hit every store, eat at every food court stall, and try on every pair of shoes? Of course not! You’ve got your favourites, your must-haves, and the occasional surprise stop. That’s exactly how The Stack works. It’s like a "You Are Here" map for your mental health, helping you navigate what’s available and pick what fits your needs today.
The Stack breaks it down into three levels:
- Body Care: Think of it as the gym, spa, or juice bar of your mental health mall. Move, rest, refuel — your body will thank you.
- Nervous System Care: The chill zone. Maybe it’s the cozy bookstore or the calming fountain in the atrium. This is where you regulate stress and find your zen.
- Emotional Care: The social hub. Connect with friends, dive into deep convos, or find a comfy corner to process your feels.
You don’t have to hit every spot every time. The goal is to know your "mall" and visit what’s calling you at the moment. And as you grow (wiser and, let’s be real, cooler), your stops will evolve too.
3 Fun Ways to Start 2025 with Your Stack
1. Treat Yourself to a Mental Health Mall Day: Grab a journal, your favourite beverage, and map out your "You Are Here" moment. What’s lighting you up? What’s draining your batteries? Take a playful approach: draw your mental health mall and label the "stores" (Body Care Gym, Nervous System Spa, Feelings Cafe). It’s like arts and crafts for your soul.
2. Shop the Sales (a.k.a. Small Wins): Start small and savour the victories. Maybe this week’s sale is 15 minutes of stretching in the morning or a 5-minute breathing exercise at lunch. These little wins are like scoring a killer deal on something that makes you feel amazing.
3. Add a Wildcard Stop: Every great mall trip has an unexpected find. Try something new: a dance class, a gratitude app, or even a "no plans" day where you just see where the mood takes you. Surprise yourself! Your future self might just give you a high-five.
Caring for You, Caring for Us
Here’s the secret sauce: When you care for yourself with joy and curiosity, you’re also building the foundation to care for others. It’s the ripple effect of well-being. Imagine a world where everyone’s "mall" is stocked, and we’re all sharing tips on the best spots to recharge. Sounds dreamy, right?
So, let’s make 2025 the year we embrace The Stack and explore our mental health malls with fresh eyes and open hearts. Remember, it’s not about hitting every stop — it’s about knowing what you need and making it fun.
Cheers to a year of discovery, connection, and a whole lot of self-love. Let’s do this!