This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.
Tori Nardone is the Founder of The Balancing Effect – a company that provides mindful products, services, and content for motivated women.
In honor of #WorldMentalHealthDay on Thurs., Oct. 10, here are some ways you can take care of yours with the help of Charleston’s many local businesses and offerings.
Light Some Candles and Relax
Local shop Candlefish carries a wide variety of local candles and scented products, including one of my all-time favorites, Rewined Candles. And although it’s still 80 degrees in Charleston, I proudly light my fall-scented Spiked Cider candle as soon as I get home every evening once the season begins. There’s nothing better than cozying up by candlelight to help you unwind after a long day.
#TreatYoSelf
If you’re in need of a little pampering, head to Urban Nirvana for a heavenly massage or facial or, if it’s a fresh set you’re after, check out Charleston’s non-toxic nail salon, Mylk Bar for a mani/pedi you can feel *really* good about.
Squeeze in a Sweat Sesh
Charleston is home to so many incredible locally-owned fitness studios! And exercise is proven to help boost your mood. As a yoga teacher myself, I can personally attest to the positive impact that exercise has on my mental health. Get your yoga on at Charleston Power Yoga, try a fun blend of yoga + plyometric work at The Works, take it up a notch with a HIIT class at HYLO, or slow down with a guided meditation at Still Soul Studio.
Crack Open a Good Book
Reading is one of my all-time favorite ways to calm my mind. Head to Charleston’s Blue Bicycle Books or Buxton Books to discover a new read and let the words take you to your ultimate happy place.
Hit the Snooze Button
Need a day of bed rest? There’s no shame in taking time for some R&R! Snag a pair of the coziest pajamas at recently opened Lake Pajamas and crawl under the covers. Nighty night.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Fresh air is good for the soul, there’s no doubt about it. Lucky for us, we live in a city that provides perfect temps year-round, so it’s always a good time to get outdoors! Go for a walk on the beach at one of our many sandy spots, trek across the Ravenel Bridge pre- or post-work, stroll along Shem Creek, or hop over to Hampton Park for a solid scenery change.
Plan Ahead + Set Some Goals
Journaling and goal setting is a great way to get your mind right. Thankfully, locally owned business The Balancing Effect has just released its first product, the True North Planner, which helps you do just that! Inside you’ll find annual, monthly, and weekly inquiries to help you dig deeper and recognize the patterns that are either helping or hindering you from reaching your goals. You’ll also find fun weekly challenges to ensure self-love is a constant part of your life and relatable, inspirational quotes to motivate you. Every purchase also gives back to locally founded charity Lost Got Found, whose mission is to eliminate the negative stigma surrounding mental health.
Whatever path you’d like to take to improve your mental health, we hope this helped provide some suggestions for you.
