In honor of mental heath awareness month we have been asking our staff and our community about some of their tips and tricks that help them through hard times. For mental health resources check out our Community Resources.
Music Forward Team
Berania Barraza – Project Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “OMG” New Jeans
How do you practice self-care? I practice self care by taking an hour in the day to enjoy my hobbies, so I have something to look forward to everyday.
Caitlin Carter – Project Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Renaissance” Beyonce, “I Would Die 4 U” Prince, or anything by Robyn
How do you practice self-care? It’s been tough as a new mom, so I am grateful for the times I can get the basics: a shower, a few uninterrupted hours of sleep, a good meal. Going on walks always helps too
Laura Clark – Director of Education
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Unstoppable” Sia
How do you practice self-care? Technology breaks and taking time hiking in nature. I feel more connected to the present moment when I remove tech and connect to my senses in nature.
Ellen Felton – Education Associate Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Better Things” Ymori & Pueblo Vista
How do you practice self-care? I take naps (if I can) to give myself a mental break. I also get my nails done every two weeks, when I feel good I do good.
Adrian Flores – Director of Marketing
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? Anything by Jack Harlow
How do you practice self-care? I practice self-care by working out, reading, writing, taking my dog on long walks and meditation. I also try to do a new activity once every other week.
Cameron Haywood – Education Coordinator
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “The Wildheart” Miguel
How do you practice self-care? I like to workout, meditate, and make music.
Mallory Jackson – Human Resources Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “California Stars” Wilco
How do you practice self-care? I try to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and I make sure to incorporate small movements into everyday life (even if it’s just taking a walk during my lunch break).
Danielle McDuffie – Digital Marketing Coordinator
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Altar” Kehlani or anything Phil Colins
How do you practice self-care? It can be hard to put yourself first, to even care about practicing self-care in the first place. I’ve been making a more conscious effort lately. I try to give myself alone time to help decompress. I watch game shows to bring up my energy, I’ll take time off of technology to slow my mind down, and I love to spend time outside and learn about my surroundings.
Elisa Morimoto – Director of Operations
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Mr. Blue Sky” Electric Light Orchestra
How do you practice self-care? I’ve learned how to reframe chores as a form of care, small steps in a positive direction versus must-dos of a never-ending list. I’m a working mom who can deprioritize myself – so I need to have the grace to forgive myself when I forget to do these things. I remember I’m not alone in these experiences and they are parts of me and also part of the range that is humanity. The stuff of life!
Cinnamon Muhlbauer – Operations Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “All Day Music” War or “Little L” Jamiroquai
How do you practice self-care? I listen to music, play with my animals, and buy a new pair of shoes. The music takes me to a better space, my animals keep me grounded and the shoes, well the shoes keep me on the right path.
Oswaldo Navarro – Education Partnerships Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Renaissance” Beyoncé
How do you practice self-care? Exercise helps me get in the zone as well as de-stress.
Nurit Smith – Executive Director
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Songs in the Key of Life” Stevie Wonder
How do you practice self-care? Morning yoga & walks, meditation as needed, baths, Morning and nightly rituals help keep me grounded.
Erin Sullivan – Project Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Heard it in a Past Life” Maggie Rogers
How do you practice self-care? I’m trying to learn to listen to my body and not fight back against its cues. If it wants to rest, I let myself rest without guilt. If it wants to go out and make a batch of cookies, I’ll indulge that too. It helps my mental health to not push back against what it wants or needs, and not focus too much on what I feel like I “should” do at any given moment.
Phebe Wickham – Marketing Associate Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Freedom” George Michael
How do you practice self-care? I love going for walks. A bit of fresh air, new surroundings, and sunlight can do absolute wonders for my mental health.
Nia Williams – Workforce Associate Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Tunder, Lightning, Strike” The Go! Team
How do you practice self-care? I try to trust what my body is telling me! If I am feeling stressed, anxious, tired, etc, I try to understand why and move through the feelings rather than against them.
Rick Williams – Artist Development Manager
What song/album makes you feel better when you are feeling low? “Uptown Funk” Bruno Mars
How do you practice self-care? I take time to enjoy my passion — music! Whether it’s playing music, listening to music, or writing music, something music-related always serves as a great pick-me-up. I also make sure to spend lots of quality time with my family.
From the Community:
What song makes you feel better when you are feeling low?
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Check out our Mental Health Awareness Month | Staff Picks playlist with all songs mentioned.