This Week’s Mental Health Recap: Scents, Support, Sleep & Strength 🌿🧠💤🔥
- Tami West, PhD
- May 21
- 3 min read
Hello friends! 🌟
What a week it’s been here on the blog and social channels. From the surprising power of scent to life-changing Mental Health First Aid tools, restorative sleep rituals, faith and mental health, and even reframing fear—here’s a roundup of everything we explored. Dive in, pick your favorite section, and let me know which topic resonated most with you!
1. Why That Smell Hits You So Hard—And How It Can Heal You 🧠
Ever wondered why a whiff of lavender or pumpkin lotion transports you back to your favorite memory? Smell is the only sense that travels straight to your brain’s emotion and memory centers. This week, we dug into the latest research on essential oils—lavender, rose, sandalwood, frankincense—and how they can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and elevate mood.✨ Quick Tip: Keep a scent journal—note which aromas calm or energize you, and build your own healing ritual.
2. Mental Health First Aid: Support, Don’t Fix 🤝
“Raise your hand if you’ve got someone in your life struggling with their mental health… now lower it—because you don’t have to be the fixer!” This week’s social media posts introduced the simple Notice → Ask → Listen framework we all need:
Notice changes in behavior
Ask “Are you OK?”
Listen without trying to solve it🛠 Want more tools? Become a certified Mental Health First Aider and get my complete guide here: Resource Vault
3. Sleep Sanctuary: 3 Rituals That Changed My Life 🛌
Struggling to switch off at bedtime? I shared my journey from restless nights in the ‘90s (those ginormous headphones and relaxation CDs!) to today’s Bluetooth sleep headband magic. Here are the three non-negotiables:
Start Your Routine in the Morning – Set bedtime intentions at sunrise.
Consistent Wind-Down – Same steps, same order, every night.
Curate Your Sleep Space – Light, sound, comfort, and my favorite headband.💤 Explore my favorite sleep tools: Resource Vault
4. Faith & Mental Health: Reject the Lie, Embrace Grace 🙏
“You are not alone, and your pain does not make you unworthy.” We tackled how faith and mental health intersect, reminding you that Jesus wept for hurting souls—and never shamed them. If you’ve ever felt judged for your struggles, this one’s for you:
5. Fear of Failure: It Actually Works—But Here’s Your Game Plan 🚒🔥
Fear isn’t the enemy; it’s your brain’s smoke detector. This week’s posts broke down my seven-step approach to talk to your fear, assess if it’s a real fire, and then choose courage over comfort:
Recognize the peace it brings.
Thank your “smoke detector.”
Check for real danger.
Talk to it like a friend.
If it’s valid, make a plan.
If not, switch it off.
Declare: “YES. I. CAN.
Keep the Conversation Going!
Which of these topics helped you most this week? Drop a comment below or send me a message—I love hearing your stories. And if you want downloadable quote cards, images, or deep-dive guides for any of these posts, just let me know!
Stay well, stay curious, and remember: sometimes healing starts with a smell—and always with compassion. 💛
Hugs,
Tami
Social Media Links
TikTok (yep, I'm there now!)
Mental Health Resources:
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
Television Interviews
Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com
Comments