As it turns out, there is more to May than the Justin Timberlake memes leading up to it. May is *also* Mental Health Awareness Month, and we thought it would be a good idea to speak to some of our favorite choreographers about what they do to take care of their mental health. Here’s what they had to share:
Jessica Richens
“I like to remind myself that I’m a human first, dancer second. Dance can be so all-consuming, that you forget to acknowledge the human you are when you’re not dancing. I like to prioritize my sleep and nourish my body with food that I know will make me feel good and think clearly. I also like to journal my thoughts and feelings and do something that grounds me, like going to the beach or taking a hike in nature.”
Lee Daniel
“Recently, the main way that I have tended to my mental health has been through the practice of yoga. I am able to shut off the world and focus on breathing, staying present in my body, and quieting my mind. With consistent practice, I’ve truly seen a major shift in my mind and body that I am extremely grateful for and excited to continue deepening those connections.”
Theresa Stone
“I like to make sure everyday I am taking conscious, present moments. Not overwhelming my thoughts and emotions with the “big picture,” but rather.. enjoying the simple things. By taking in the small moments, you enjoy the journey of life, rather than constantly chasing the life you want. For me, embracing this is the key to my positive mental health.”
Cat Rendic
“For me, mind and body go hand in hand. My mental well-being is just as important as my physical wellness. My morning routine is a very special, sacred part of my day. I wake up early, meditate, and go on a mindful walk with my dog. Then I make coffee, journal, and spend some time reading. This private time sets up my day and roots me deeply. Other keys elements in my life are yoga, working out, and therapy. All of these practices connect my body and mind.”
MaryAnn Chavez
“I do my best to face things head on and not suppress any feels. The longer you hold on to negative feelings, the more they will start affecting other aspects of your life; I noticed it in my health. The moment I made the choice to be honest in how I was perceiving the world, I started making better connections, and more doors started to open. Being honest doesn’t always mean you need to be brutal or hurt feelings if that’s a stressor as to why you suppress anything — it simply means to openly communicate and be sure people respect your boundaries. Allowing people in my life that respect those boundaries has really improved my mental health over the years.”
Lonni Olson
“Nourishing my mind and heart is just as important to me as nourishing my body. Daily journaling and self affirmations are things that are non-negotiable in my everyday life. A huge thing I have recently implemented in my weekly life is also a therapy session; whether I may be in a good head space or not, it is something that has allowed me a space specifically to slow down & stop, check in with myself, my needs, my wants, and just how I am truly feeling. I truly believe it has made a difference & can make a difference in all of our hectic lives. Lastly, I use my passion as therapy for my soul. Dance is so healing & therapeutic if we allow ourselves to let go and be vulnerable with our own selves!”
Derrick Schrader
“Having a basic check in with myself is the start of mental (self)care. How is my mind, body, and spirit? Meditation helps me find those answers if I’m feeling disconnected. Yoga practice aligns mind/body/spirit. If that doesn’t work, I go to a playlist I’ve created for myself that sparks core memories of happy times when I felt the most like myself, but my go to mental health care is nature. Remembering I’m floating in a solar system moving 130 miles per second… life is pretty remarkable.”
Makenzie Dustman
“There are so many things that I want to say, but nothing seems to be as important as this one ritual that has perpetually saved my mind – time and time again. And that is, telling the truth. Learning how to speak my mind, and honestly share my opinions, thoughts, and fears with the world and people around me, has single handedly changed the course of my relationships, career, and human experience for the better. Practicing honesty in every corner of my life has forced necessary confrontation and as a result has reinforced deep trust within myself and the relationships that have withheld the initial discomfort honesty imposes. We all deserve a safe place to articulate what’s happening in our inner world, for a chance for the outer world to recognize, see, understand, empathize, and grow with us. However, it is hard for the world (our family, friends, colleagues, significant others) to do so, if we aren’t actively taking the responsibility to tell them who we really are, and how we really feel. Honesty, is the impetus.”
Sienna Lyons
“I make sure to have at least one day a week where I can sleep, rest my body and mind, and do something like a massage or physical therapy. Our minds need moments of nothing and moments of being stress-free, which calms the nervous system and helps us not live in fight or flight. I am also constantly checking in with the way my body reacts when asked to do things like performances or certain gigs. The ability to say NO to things is a great way to put yourself first and give your mental health the support and voice it needs to feel confident and loved. One of the most important practices in my opinion is how I speak to myself. I try my very best to keep the inner voice talk kind, uplifting, affirming, and gracious. Look inward as much as you can.”
Erica Klein
“It might sound basic, but taking dance class really is the key to my mental health. Training consistently keeps me in a growth mindset. Psychologically, the idea that I’m improving 1% each day gives me a sense of progress, and physically, the exercise gives me the endorphins I need for a calm mind. Plus, dancing in a room full of other artists not only gives me the social gratification of feeling connected to my community, but also makes me feel seen and heard as an artist through the language of movement., which is sometimes my clearest form of communication. There’s no other place on earth that gives me the emotional, physical, and spiritual release needed for a healthy mind.”
Noel Bajandas
“Daily self reflection and understanding how to be with myself helps me navigate my mental health in a way that allows me to feel powerful. The idea of giving myself all the free time I need for any activity, whether it be listening to music, dancing around by myself in my living room, or just taking myself out to dinner, reminds me that I have the power to take care of myself when I need it most. I also try to not let myself get to an overwhelming space before I decide to shift my energy into a more rooted and grounded place.”
How do you take care of your mental health? Comment below to let us know.
