Mental Wellness Starts With You

The journey to better mental health often begins with how we treat ourselves. In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Beatrice Hyppolite welcomes Viodelda Contreras, a nutritionist-turned-beauty entrepreneur with 23 years of experience helping others look and feel their best."Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what's left of you," quotes Contreras, setting the tone for a thoughtful exploration of how personal care practices impact our mental wellbeing. From the confidence boost of looking presentable to the stress relief of physical exercise, Contreras shares practical wisdom about creating daily rituals that elevate mood and outlook.The discussion challenges common misconceptions about self-care being merely vanity or exclusively for women. Dr. Hyppolite recounts seeing a father and three sons enjoying manicures together, illustrating how these practices benefit everyone regardless of gender. She emphasizes that self-care isn't about impressing others but about honoring yourself—and when you feel good, it radiates outward, positively affecting relationships, career opportunities, and daily interactions.Most powerfully, Contreras reveals how her mental health routine combines physical care with spiritual practices. Prayer, Bible reading, and meditation form cornerstones of her stress management approach and how her own son later inspired her to incorporate regular meditation into her life. Dr. Hyppolite shares a transformative experience discovering meditation in Italy at a Mother Teresa house, where she felt "peace like never before," Whether it's taking a shower with fragrant products, putting on something that makes you feel confident, or simply creating moments of stillness in your day, this episode offers accessible ways to prioritize your wellbeing. Join us to discover how small acts of self-care can transform not just how you look, but how you feel, think, and move through the world.Support the show