Total Health: Melanie Musson On How We Can Optimize Our Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing

View your life holistically. From mental and physical to emotional and spiritual, every aspect of wellbeing is deeply connected. For example, your physical health will start failing when your mental health struggles. If you view yourself holistically, you’ll be better able to identify the root causes of your hardships and work toward optimizing your health.

Often when we refer to wellness, we assume that we are talking about physical wellbeing. But one can be physically very healthy but still be unwell, emotionally or mentally. What are the steps we can take to cultivate optimal wellness in all areas of our life; to develop Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing?

As a part of our series about “How We Can Cultivate Our Mental, Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Wellbeing”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Melanie Musson.

Melanie Musson is a wellness expert with TopQuoteLifeInsurance.com. She’s passionate about helping others achieve optimal health and wellness. In her free time, she and her family of five children love to explore the Rocky Mountains where they live.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

I grew up in Philadelphia, where my mom, who was also my teacher, dedicated herself to making sure my siblings and I got to experience the rich history and culture of the region. We read books about the American Revolution or other regional events of history, and then we’d visit battlefields, the homes of significant people, and buildings where American became a nation.

We’d also read about famous musical composers, and then we’d stand in line for the $4 Philadelphia Orchestra rush tickets so we could hear the music come alive.

Thanks to these experiences, we developed a love for history and music.

What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.

When I had to write for school, I hated it. But once I graduated, I enjoyed writing, especially telling stories. My husband would always tell me, “You’re such a good writer. You should be getting paid for it.” I hadn’t even ever considered that as a job, but it got me thinking.

And the more I thought, the more I wanted to do it, so I did! And I get to combine my obsession with wellness with my love of writing, so my career truly is my dream job.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?

My dad has always had so much confidence in me. I don’t think he’s doubted me once. That’s pretty powerful. When someone that knows you so well believes in you so much, first, you feel more confident, and second, you don’t want to let them down.

So, when my career opportunity appeared, I had the confidence to take the first step to get started because even though I doubted, my dad did not.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or take away did you learn from that?

I don’t know how interesting it is, but recently, I was participating in a phone interview for work. The interviewer asked me if I was a stay-at-home mom, and I answered, “I write.” But she heard, “Right.” This turned into a mix-up with backlinks and who I worked for.

From that, I learned that every time I use the word “write” in conversation, I need to include enough context that the meaning is unmistakable.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D.

When my first daughter was five months old, we received a serious medical diagnosis. It was a very dark time in my life, and I felt like I was floundering with no hope. One of her therapists highly recommended this book, so I read it and it gave me so much hope.

The brain is incredible, and even though it’s true that brain tissue doesn’t regenerate itself, I learned about neuroplasticity and that other parts of the brain can take over for the damaged parts. Reading this book signaled a turning point in my life.

Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?

“I know what I have to do now, I’ve got to keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?” -Chuck Noland in Castaway.

This is my life lesson quote for difficult seasons of life. Sometimes you can’t force yourself to do anything more than to keep breathing, but there is hope. The world keeps spinning, the sun keeps rising, something good could happen. Just keep breathing.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

I teach piano lessons at a discount. I don’t charge very much because I want children to have access to music lessons even if their parents aren’t making a lot of money. I have five kids so I know how expensive it is to get them involved in activities. I’m passionate that money shouldn’t stand in the way of a child’s access to learning music, so I do my part by providing lessons.

I believe that music helps strengthen the mind, and playing music boosts eye-hand coordination and emotional regulation. Playing music yields a plethora of positive effects on the mind and body, and one of my favorite things is that it gives people a way to release emotionally for the rest of their lives.

You don’t have to be a world-class pianist to play therapeutically for yourself. Music lessons are a gift that keeps giving throughout life.

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview. In this interview series we’d like to discuss cultivating wellness habits in four areas of our lives: Mental wellness, Physical wellness, Emotional wellness, & Spiritual wellness. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or experience, can you share with our readers three good habits that can lead to optimum mental wellness? Please share a story or example for each.

#1 — View your life holistically. From mental and physical to emotional and spiritual, every aspect of wellbeing is deeply connected. For example, your physical health will start failing when your mental health struggles. If you view yourself holistically, you’ll be better able to identify the root causes of your hardships and work toward optimizing your health.

You may notice that you catch every cold that goes around, and you can’t seem to break the cycle. But if you see yourself as a whole person, you may be able to identify that the stress from a broken relationship has weakened your immune system. To optimize your health, you need to take time for self-development in each area of what makes you who you are.

Don’t get so obsessed with one area of your life that you neglect the rest.

#2 — Learn new things. I think many people get stuck in a rut with life. They do what they like, and they enjoy that, but they’re missing out on a full life. There are several ways you can learn new things. First, when something piques your interest, dive into it. Second, read a book that someone recommends, even if it’s not up your alley. Third, attend a seminar that pushes you further in the understanding of something you’re already an expert in.

#3 — Take breaks. Filling your mind with knowledge all day is wonderful, but you need to give yourself some time for a break. Meditation takes work, but it’s a way to give your mind a break from learning and learn to connect with your body. Another way to take a break is to play a game or watch a show. Don’t feel guilty taking a break, your mind needs time to decompress.

Do you have a specific type of meditation practice or Yoga practice that you have found helpful? We’d love to hear about it.

I enjoy doing Ashtanga Half Primary Series each morning. I started this series because it pushed me physically, but I’ve stuck with it because I know the positions and the flow so I can focus on my mind through the practice.

Thank you for that. Can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum physical wellness? Please share a story or example for each.

#1 — Go outside every day. I live in Montana. It’s not always pleasant to go outside. For example, today, the high was seven degrees Fahrenheit. It’s always worth it, though. Being outdoors forces me to play with my kids. We run around the park, walk to the pond, have races, and keep moving. The sunshine helps me stay healthy, too, both physically and emotionally.

#2 — Practice balance activities. Yoga is one of my favorite ways to work on balance. I spent over ten years working with seniors and have seen how young yoga can keep peoples’ bodies. I have a dear friend who is 84 years old, and she can reach down to the floor and pick up a piece of trash without a worry.

I’ve also seen people far younger than that not able to pick something off the floor. Seeing this contrast pushes me to work on balance now so that I’m in that habit for when I’m older.

#3 — Fuel your body. You won’t see the gains of physical activity if you’re not properly fueling your body. A nutritionist is a valuable resource as they can help you tailor a diet based on your needs. Some days you may need more protein; others, you may need more fiber. Your food should coordinate with your activities.

Do you have any particular thoughts about healthy eating? We all know that it’s important to eat more vegetables, eat less sugar, etc. But while we know it intellectually, it’s often difficult to put it into practice and make it a part of our daily habits. In your opinion what are the main blockages that prevent us from taking the information that we all know, and integrating it into our lives?

I just said that food is fuel, and that’s true, but food is also tradition and culture and memories, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing, as long as you keep your perspective on food in balance. So, for example, go ahead and make that holiday dessert you used to make with your grandma, but don’t eat the whole thing by yourself in one sitting.

I have noticed that I eat what I have. If I buy Oreos, I’ll eat them. If I buy strawberries, I’ll eat them. So, I make sure to keep my kitchen stocked with the things I should eat. I order a basket of fruits and vegetables that gets delivered every other week. I never know what’s in it, so it’s been fun to try new things.

I don’t typically make deserts because I don’t want to eat them. I mean, I want to, but I know I shouldn’t, so I don’t keep them around.

Can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum emotional wellness? Please share a story or example for each.

#1 — Find a community. Your community should be a place where you belong. For example, find a spiritual community to fellowship with, a running group to exercise with, or a friend to share your feelings with. Spend time with people who support you and stretch you. Personal connections are critical.

In 2020 with the onslaught of COVID-19, people were separated from personal contact with others. That was very hard on me emotionally. I went through rollercoasters of emotions and felt strange, and sometimes, just plain terrible.

It was such a bizarre time that I didn’t even realize how much I needed people until one day in April, after five or six weeks of stay-at-home orders, a friend brought me coffee and cinnamon rolls. I burst into tears and said, “Can I give you a hug?” I was also eight months pregnant, so I was dealing with those hormones as well. How could they refuse the pregnant lady?

So, I gave them a hug, and it was a moment of pure magic. It was like in a movie when a touch is electric. I’m not even usually a hugger. But that’s when I realized just how important connecting with others in person is.

#2 — Talk about your feelings. Maybe you need a therapist, or maybe you just need a friend to listen. Talking through your feelings helps you make sense of them. I have found that I can often figure out why I feel the way I do when I talk about it with someone else.

#3 — Practice paced breathing. This habit overlaps with mental wellness, but I’m categorizing it as a habit for emotional wellness because of how it helps calm wild emotions.

I have five children. We have a lot of fun together, but sometimes they’re a little overwhelming. Imagine five little but loud voices, each asking you for something different at the same time. Sometimes it makes me feel like I’m going crazy. And that’s when I step away and take a few moments to calm my breathing, calm my mind, and calm my emotions. And paced breathing is my go-to method to get there.

Do you have any particular thoughts about the power of smiling to improve emotional wellness? We’d love to hear it.

Smiling is a gift to yourself and others. A smile releases happy hormones in yourself, and it can also brighten someone else’s day. It’s interesting you asked this question because just today, I was grocery shopping and the lady behind the seafood counter told me as I left, “Keep smiling. You wear it well.” Her statement made my day, and also reminded me of two things. First, people notice your smile, and second, complimenting others makes them feel good!

Her comment reminded me to look for good things and then be free with my compliments.

Finally, can you share three good habits that can lead to optimum spiritual wellness? Please share a story or example for each.

#1 — Read to grow your spirituality. For me, I read the Bible because that’s how I learn about God and who he is and who he wants me to be. I have realized that the more time I spend in the Bible, the more grounded I am in my faith.

#2 — Meditate. Throughout the day, I meditate on what I’ve read and learned about God and it keeps me focused and balanced.

#3 — Fellowship with others. Spending time with others who share your views on spirituality can strengthen your faith and practice. I spend time in church worshipping with the congregation. It’s one of the best parts of my week.

Do you have any particular thoughts about how being “in nature” can help us to cultivate spiritual wellness?

Nature touches all your senses. It awakens parts of you that have fallen asleep and calms parts that are overly heightened. Outside in nature is my favorite place to be with my family. We develop a stronger bond when we’re out in the wild together. Sometimes it feels like nature is enchanted.

Ok, we are nearly done. You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

I would make art appreciation the best part of the school day for kids around the world. I would love for children to understand and appreciate art and then study and try out different techniques and methods. I believe that cultivating a love of art would help many children discover an outlet for stress and a way to regulate emotions.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

I would like to spend some time with the Holderness family because they seem like so much fun, so down to earth, and easy to talk to. While some celebrities might intimidate me, I think I’d make friends pretty quickly with them.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can check out my work at TopQuoteLifeInsurance.com.

Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success.

You’re welcome and thank you for the opportunity.