Rosario Dawson lives ‘in gratitude’ and prioritizes her mental health

She embarked on a road trip back home with her father to the East Coast last year.

And Rosario Dawson admitted her move was to be closer to the ones she loves the most as she is committed to prioritizing her mental health as she covered Health’s March issue.

The 41-year-old actress is ‘grateful’ for her extensive career and hopes her move will help her find more balance as she juggles motherhood and a relationship with a public figure.

‘I’m grateful that I’ve traveled so much and worked so hard,’ she said. ‘But my priorities have shifted, and I’ve realized I need to slow down a bit and be nearer to the people I love most.’

Rosario packed up her LA home and literally drove a bus with her father across the country last year to establish her new life closer to extended family and boyfriend, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who she’s dated since 2018.

In addition to her personal life, her professional career is hitting high marks as her character in The Mandalorian recently received a spin-off show. 

‘Even though I’m still achieving my dreams at 41 and haven’t been sent out to pasture, I also know I don’t have infinite energy,’ she said. ‘I have to take care of myself better so I can keep showing up for who and what I love.’

Showing up as her best self for those people includes her 17-year-old daughter who she adopted when she was just 11 years old. 

‘I’m grateful for her development, our maturation, and our connection,’ she said. ‘She moved in [with me] at 11; she’s 17 now and going to be 18 soon. 

‘To have a young person move in with you and to have to really consciously work through triggers and that kind of stuff is a really different thing than being pregnant and having your baby grow up in front of you—to be able to see how we’re getting closer and closer. We are a family, and it’s beautiful.’

When it comes to mental health, Rosario tries to ‘look for the rainbow in the clouds,’ but remains honest with herself.  

‘I don’t show it on the exterior, but I can definitely marinate in my troubles. I’ve worked really hard to dial that back and live in my gratitude—and express that gratitude even more to my friends and my family. I feel like it’s about being more aware and noticing where my thoughts are going in the moment.’