No More Excuses: Prioritizing Your Mental Health Through Yoga, Reiki, Massage, and Talk Therapy!

~by Holly King

In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing mental health often feels like a luxury instead of a necessity. When life gets busy, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner. We tell ourselves, “I’ll start meditating when I have more time,” or, “I don’t really need therapy—it’s just a rough patch.” But here’s the truth: mental wellness is not optional—it’s essential.

If you’ve been making excuses to avoid mental health practices like yoga, Reiki, massage, or talk therapy, this article is your wake-up call. It’s time to break free from the mental barriers holding you back and start investing in the most valuable asset you have: your mind.

At Lotus Counseling and Wellness Center we are asking you to reframe your thoughts about therapy and self care and with these powerful remedies, you can eliminate the excuse to engage in personal practices that will give more meaning to your life!

Excuse #1: “I Don’t Have Enough Time”

Time is a common scapegoat. But let’s be honest—if you have time to scroll through social media, binge-watch a series, or repeatedly hit snooze, you have time for mental wellness.

Reframe It: Instead of seeing self-care as a time-consuming task, consider it a time investment. Yoga, Reiki, massage, and therapy enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and boost productivity. The hour you spend in therapy could save you countless hours of mental fog and emotional fatigue.

Solution: Start small. A 10-minute mindfulness practice or a brief yoga session can make a difference. Consistency matters more than duration.

Excuse #2: “It’s Too Expensive”

Money is often used as a justification for avoiding self-care, but the cost of neglecting mental health is far greater. Stress-related illnesses, burnout, and emotional distress can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and reduced quality of life.

Reframe It: Think of mental health practices as preventive care. Yoga and Reiki help regulate stress, while talk therapy can prevent emotional struggles from escalating into full-blown crises. Massage reduces muscle tension caused by chronic stress, helping you avoid costly physical health issues.

Solution:

• Look for free or donation-based yoga classes (many are available online).

• Seek out community mental health centers or therapists offering sliding-scale fees.

• Consider Reiki or massage trades with local practitioners if finances are tight.

• View self-care as a non-negotiable part of your budget—it’s as vital as groceries or utilities.

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Excuse #3: “I’m Not the ‘Yoga/Meditation/Therapy Type’”

There’s a myth that you need to be a spiritual guru or deeply emotional person to benefit from mental health practices. This is simply not true. You don’t have to be flexible to do yoga, “zen” to meditate, or in crisis to seek therapy.

Reframe It: Mental health practices are for everyone. Yoga is for stiff bodies, Reiki is for anyone seeking energetic balance, and therapy is for everyone—whether you’re navigating trauma or simply seeking self-improvement.

Solution: Drop the labels. If yoga feels intimidating, try restorative yoga or a gentle beginners’ class. If therapy feels daunting, start with coaching or a mental health support group. There’s no “type”—just people willing to care for themselves.

Excuse #4: “I Tried It Once, and It Didn’t Work”

It’s easy to dismiss a mental health practice after one underwhelming experience. However, meaningful benefits often require consistency and exploration.

Reframe It: You wouldn’t stop brushing your teeth after one attempt, so why abandon mental health care after a single session? Yoga, Reiki, massage, and therapy often take time to show their full impact.

Solution:

• Commit to a consistent practice before passing judgment.

• If you didn’t connect with a specific therapist, Reiki practitioner, or yoga teacher, try another.

• Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. It may take time to find the right fit.

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Excuse #5: “I Can Handle It on My Own”

Many people believe they should be able to “tough it out” or rely solely on willpower. While resilience is valuable, ignoring the need for mental health support can lead to burnout or emotional breakdown.

Reframe It: Asking for support doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re wise. It takes strength to recognize when you need help. Therapy offers a safe space to process emotions. Reiki and massage provide energetic and physical release, while yoga promotes emotional balance.

Solution:

• Let go of the “lone wolf” mentality. Even the most self-sufficient people benefit from support systems.

• Prioritize mental health the same way you would physical health. You wouldn’t treat a broken bone alone—don’t do the same with emotional wounds.

Embracing Mental Wellness as a Lifestyle

The truth is, mental health practices aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. They equip you with the tools to handle life’s inevitable stressors and enhance your overall well-being. When you prioritize practices like yoga, Reiki, massage, and talk therapy, you’re making a powerful declaration: “I am worth it.”

So, no more excuses. Your mental health is your wealth. It’s time to invest in it.

Call to Action:What mental health practice will you embrace today? Whether it’s booking a massage, scheduling a therapy session, or rolling out a yoga mat, commit to taking one step toward your mental wellness. Your future self will thank you.

You’ve got this. No more excuses—just self-love and liberation.

Join us for classes and private services by emailing us or scheduling online at our website!