Mental Wellness Mastery: Mental Health Expert Dee Davidson Of Confidently Love Yourself On Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental Wellness
An Interview With Eden Gold
Practicing intentional breathing, meditation, body scans, affirmations, and mantras to center and ground oneself.
In our modern, fast-paced society, mental wellness is a crucial aspect of leading a fulfilling life. However, for many people, achieving and maintaining good mental health can be a challenging task, with obstacles such as stress, anxiety, depression, and more. That’s why it’s essential to have practical and accessible strategies for mental wellness that can help build resilience, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dee Davidson.
Dee Davidson is a Master Mindset Coach, and Functional Health Practitioner who has been dedicated to Educating Women on Mental Wellness for over three decades.
Dee’s purpose is to share this healing knowledge expansively so that all women can experience lifelong mental wellness health and vitality!
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about cultural sensitivity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My journey with mental wellness has been deeply personal, stemming from a childhood surrounded by limiting beliefs and negativity. Through my own struggles, I delved into the study of mental wellness to heal and transform my mindset and health. It’s been a profound blessing to navigate this path of growth and empowerment. I firmly believe that my experiences were meant to be shared, to help others — especially women — find solace and transformation in their mental health journeys. Guided by a sense of purpose and divine calling, I am committed to supporting individuals in overcoming their struggles and embracing a life of mental well-being and empowerment.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Once, a woman named Sarah came to me seeking relief from her chronic IBS symptoms. Despite numerous treatments and dietary changes, her symptoms persisted. As we explored deeper into her health history, it became evident that stress and anxiety were major factors exacerbating her condition. Through our sessions, Sarah began to unravel the connection between her mental state and physical symptoms.
We explored various mindset strategies and mental health practices tailored to Sarah’s needs. Together, we worked on reframing negative thought patterns, implementing stress-reduction techniques, and fostering a sense of inner calm. As Sarah embraced these mental health strategies, she noticed a remarkable shift in her IBS symptoms. Her IBS has been in remission for two years.
With each session, Sarah’s physical symptoms began to subside, and she experienced a newfound sense of ease and well-being. It was a powerful reminder of the intricate connection between mind and body, and how addressing mental health can profoundly impact physical wellness. Sarah’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of holistic health practices, demonstrating that true healing encompasses both body and mind.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Growth Mindset: When I decided to pursue certification in functional health, I encountered numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. Despite facing setbacks, I maintained a growth mindset, viewing each challenge as an opportunity for learning and growth. Instead of becoming discouraged, I embraced the journey, continuously seeking out new knowledge and skills to better serve my clients. This flexibility and openness to learning allowed me to adapt my approach and tailor my services to meet the individual needs of each client.
- Responsibility: Taking responsibility for my clients’ health and well-being is paramount to me. I recall a specific instance where a client came to me with a complex health issue, seeking guidance and support. Understanding the weight of the responsibility placed on me, I took the time to thoroughly assess their situation, develop a personalized plan, and provide ongoing support and guidance. By prioritizing my clients’ needs and demonstrating accountability in my role, I fostered trust and reliability, laying the foundation for successful outcomes.
- Perseverance: Throughout my journey as a functional health practitioner, perseverance has been essential. I remember a time when I encountered a particularly challenging case that seemed to defy conventional solutions. Despite initial setbacks and frustrations, I remained committed to finding answers and solutions for my client. I delved into research, sought advice from colleagues, and explored alternative approaches until we achieved a breakthrough. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and reinforced my dedication to continuous improvement and growth in my practice.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about mental wellness mastery. What is one often overlooked daily habit that can significantly improve one’s mental wellness?
One often overlooked daily habit that can significantly improve one’s mental wellness is practicing gratitude before bed. Taking a few moments before bed to reflect on three things I’m grateful for each day has been transformative. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun on my face, the laughter of loved ones, or simply having access to clean water, acknowledging these blessings helps shift my focus from negativity to positivity, fostering a sense of contentment and well-being.
How do you recommend individuals recalibrate their mental wellness after experiencing a significant setback or failure?
After experiencing a significant setback or failure, I recommend individuals recalibrate their mental wellness by first acknowledging and accepting the situation. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects, it’s important to reflect on the lessons learned from the setback or failure. By reframing the experience as a blessing in disguise, individuals can shift their perspective and identify opportunities for growth and improvement. They can ask themselves how they could approach similar situations differently knowing what they know now. This mindset allows for personal development and resilience, ultimately leading to a healthier and more positive outlook on life.
In your experience, what is a common misconception about mental health that hinders people from seeking help or improving their wellness?
In my experience, a common misconception about mental health that hinders people from seeking help or improving their wellness is the belief that doing so is a sign of weakness or inadequacy. Society or cultural norms often perpetuate the idea that seeking help for mental health concerns is taboo or reflects poorly on one’s character. This stigma can prevent individuals from reaching out for support or accessing resources that could benefit their well-being. Instead, it’s important to recognize that prioritizing mental health is a courageous and proactive step towards personal growth and resilience. Seeking help when needed demonstrates strength and self-awareness, ultimately leading to better overall wellness.
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Can you share a transformative moment or client story that highlights the power of a specific mental wellness strategy?
I had a client, let’s call her Linda, who struggled with constantly apologizing unnecessarily in her interactions with others. She would often say sorry for things that didn’t warrant an apology, such as being a few minutes late or expressing her thoughts and feelings to a friend.
During our sessions, we discussed the impact of her constant apologies on her self-esteem and how it affected her relationships. Together, we explored the idea of reframing her apologies into expressions of gratitude.
Linda embraced the practice of replacing “sorry” with “thank you” in her daily interactions. For example, instead of saying, “Sorry for keeping you waiting,” she would say, “Thank you for waiting for me.” Similarly, she replaced phrases like “Sorry for venting” with “Thank you for listening.”
As Linda implemented this mental wellness strategy into her daily life, she noticed a significant shift in her mindset and relationships. She felt more empowered and confident, recognizing that expressing gratitude instead of unnecessary apologies fostered positive connections with others. This simple yet transformative shift helped Linda cultivate a healthier relationship with herself and those around her, ultimately leading to greater mental well-being and fulfillment.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental Wellness?”
1-Starting the day with yourself, not your phone or rushing to work, to set a positive tone for the day.
2-Practicing intentional breathing, meditation, body scans, affirmations, and mantras to center and ground oneself.
3-Engaging in mirror talk and telling oneself “I love you” in the mirror, fostering self-love and acceptance.
4-Utilizing the “Confidently Love Yourself” affirmation deck, which offers loving actions to apply daily.
5- Spending 10 minutes in sunlight upon waking to activate feel-good hormones and boost mood.
These stackable habits are designed to help individuals move from autopilot to conscious thought, empowering them to cultivate mental wellness and resilience in their daily lives.
What role does technology play in mental wellness today, and how can individuals leverage it positively without exacerbating mental health issues?
Technology plays a significant role in mental wellness today, often serving as a double-edged sword. While it provides convenience and connectivity, it can also contribute to mental health issues if not used mindfully. Excessive use of social media can lead to comparison, feelings of inadequacy, and overstimulation, adversely affecting mood and sleep quality due to exposure to blue light.
To leverage technology positively, individuals can adopt mindful usage practices. Limiting social media consumption, especially before bedtime, helps reduce overstimulation and promotes better sleep quality. Using blue light protection filters on electronic devices minimizes the impact of blue light on melatonin production, facilitating healthier sleep patterns. Additionally, refraining from comparing oneself to others online and reminding oneself that social media often portrays an idealized version of reality can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy and improve overall mental well-being. By incorporating these strategies, individuals can harness the benefits of technology while safeguarding their mental health.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I could start a movement, it would be centered around fostering self-compassion and kindness towards others. In a world where we often judge ourselves and others harshly, cultivating self-compassion can be transformative. By embracing our imperfections and treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we offer to others, we create a ripple effect of positivity and empathy. This movement would emphasize the power of small acts of kindness, encouraging individuals to uplift and support one another in their journey toward self-acceptance and well-being. Ultimately, by fostering a culture of self-compassion and kindness, we can create a more compassionate and empathetic world where everyone feels valued and supported.
How can our readers further follow you online?
https://confidentlyloveyourself.com and https://www.instagram.com/confidently_love_yourself
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
