prioritizing mental health as an entrepreneur
Heal your nervous system to achieve all your goals and stop self-sabotaging
Depending on how many years you’ve followed this journey, you may know a more personal take about the Mayhem Project.
Last year (2024), I accomplished two major goals in my personal life, on top of previously surviving the car accident and learning how to walk again, and it kind of left me feeling lost and panicked. I am well aware of my blessings and privilege, to be able to pursue my passion, especially in a time of such uncertainty. However, I’m not exempt from the mental chaos that all entrepreneurs go through on top of my own mental health hurdles.
I’ve taken the majority of 2025 to heal my nervous system and really work on getting out of “survival” mode. I had no idea, but actually accomplishing all of your goals puts your brain into panic mode, because somehow you lost your map, your ambition and your motivation all in one. You no longer feel safe and you sabotage everything around you.
I was absolutely in Freeze mode, burnt out. My days blended together, my “Why” dissolved, I passed up a dream collaboration, because I felt like I had been building on top of quicksand without a blueprint or any direction at all. And the best part? I created all of that, but was mad at everybody else- (delulu.)
Being raised in survival mode changes your brain chemistry. You don’t get to build from passion, freedom or even intention, you build to breathe another day, survival is primal and it's rooted in scarcity. Which, if you know my background, it all makes sense. I never had the privilege to act on MY dreams, it was always anchored to someone else’s mission and what I was “allowed” to do.
I could not recognize myself in the mirror, I could not recognize this unmotivated “broken” person, who was once an indestructible woman. I could not find passion in my projects, nor desire to pursue old goals. I physically exhausted myself and I could no longer recognize my mind, it felt like someone made my world black and white.
I’ve been researching and learning about the wonders of neuroplasticity and hypnotherapy, rewiring your brain and calibrating the nervous system- I’m so thankful to be in a time, place and space where I can actually take the necessary time to heal myself. To understand my blessings and mistakes and both celebrate and forgive myself, analyze my projects and really ask if that’s what I truly want to do and who I want to build with.
Since cutting cords, my healing has been both physical and emotional. I’ve taken the time to work with a therapist and life coach, a lady who I owe my life to. But recently, a physical therapist who saved my face because I developed a serious lock jack issue, from clenching my teeth at night, my jaw was shifting and my face was deforming. (God FORBID!!)
Although taking a “break” or a “pause” from life may seem unrealistic because we have “bills to pay and mouths to feed”, I did find something that is equally important, Discipline and Money Management are just as crucial as getting money and being motivated are. Well, maybe even more, because the former are real skills.
Nothing is short of God’s grace, no feat is too big. But it is mandatory to fight for yourself. I understand mental health hurdles, I have the privilege to, now, be medicated and finding a solution to my problems, but for those that may not have reached that point, or maybe don't have the means at the moment. There are other ways.
Prioritize your breathing, your posture, your nutrition and your sleep. I learned that there are certain hormones that do not regenerate unless you get a full cycle of sleep, and I struggle with insomnia. So, I had to get creative. I started by reinforcing my exposure in the sun, forcing myself to walk and participate in society. Later, after getting sent to the physical therapist for my jaw, she taught me the importance of proper breathing, tongue placement, posture and cardiac rhythm and their roles in our nervous system. Also, when I did not want to attend therapy, I journaled. I got it out of my system and cried until I got tired and dehydrated, because I could not believe I couldn't do anything right, not even breathe, like damn!
I encourage all of you to self-educate on the nervous system and neuroplasticity. If you’re able to find a therapist, find someone that doesn’t just talk about feelings, but helps you organize your ideas, so you won’t feel like you’re stagnant. If you’re not ready for therapy, I encourage you to find activities where you can find your younger self. I encourage you to talk to them, let them know, you got them, and they’re safe now.
Learn to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Because when you’re always chasing the next goal, you miss the dance. Thank yourself often, gratitude is the root of abundance. How can you ask for more blessings when you can’t even tell when your plate is full? Sometimes our reality is so hectic, it feels like we’re running straight into a fire, but that’s probably because you’re breathing wrong and altering your nervous system :) We are not running behind, as long as you’re consistently moving (even 1%) you are doing your part to get to the finish line.
By no means am I saying, “I’m cured!” because that would be a fat lie, but this is the first time i feel healthy enough to speak up on my mental health and the hurdles we have as entrepreneurs. Constant motion, consistently without rest, WILL ruin your nervous system and your body will follow. Just be mindful of the power and value of sleep and rest. Hold gratitude in your heart right next to self-respect, and never lose your faith. We don't bend, break or fold around here.
Thank You for your continued support, It’s a privilege and a true pleasure to dream awake, and help you bring your visions to life. Community is everything. Loves so Much.
