Live well
“The important thing is to take great care of what you have while the world lets you have it.”
It’s World Mental Health Day today – one of my favourite days of the year as we come together to think about how we can support our well-being.
I watched the sun rise over Lake Ontario earlier this week and as I sat by the lake taking in the views, I reflected on a question that came to mind: how can we foster this type of calmness throughout the entire day? The water was still, the sun warm and bright, people walking by with ease.
As I walked home, my phone started buzzing. The sign of a fun and productive day ahead. But that serenity my mind experienced by the lake? I want that all day long. For me and for you.
Thinking about mental health, we need to ramp up what we’re doing to support ourselves, not to mention others too. We see article after article citing dire statistics that raise the alarm regarding how people from around the world are feeling.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. The rate might actually be higher given the fact that some people don’t come forward, suffering in silence as a result. Regardless, we all have mental health to promote and protect. So what can we do to live the way we deserve – that being well?
When serious illnesses arise, professional healthcare providers are available and standing by to help. What I want to see is more proactive promotion happening for all of us, ushering in better well-being. Think about everything you’re doing to feel your best. Do you feel like you’re in autopilot though? Is there something you can be doing differently? Better?
This World Mental Health Day, let’s together commit to three things to boost your mental health – easy when you stop and think about them. In fact, they’re my wishes for you today and every day for that matter.
Be intentional with how you nurture your mind. Say no if it means more time at home recharging. Bump out a meeting if you need 20 minutes to regroup after a long one. Take stock of what charges you or drains you and do more or less. Be frustrated when you need to be – it’s healthy to let it out. But refocus your mind by remembering there’s only one thing you can control in a situation and that’s how you react. What’s best is what works best for you so be intentional with the practices you put into motion.
Embrace the art of simplicity in everything that you do. If something is complicated, ask why. Challenge what’s in front of you so you can induce clarity. Clarity in conversations, procedures, practices, you name it. And don’t stop at simplifying life just for yourself. Make it easier for others to work with you or come to you for support. Help someone remove doubt or concern so they can focus on what’s in front of them so they can produce good work, present the best versions of themselves without fear. Which brings me to my third point.
Put the focus on impacting the lives around you too. A leader I very much look up to shared a story with me and my peers a few years ago. He was on a flight back to Vancouver – people were tired after a long day. As people settled into their chairs, a small child stood up on her seat and engaged in playful chatter with the people in the row behind her. It didn’t matter if the man behind her had a bad day – her spirit engaged him. His heavy shoulders relaxed a bit. The people around the little girl instantly took refuge in her calm. Be the calm – remove hardships wherever and whenever possible. Be the person that helps make it easier to get through the day. The benefit for you? Your altruism will induce positive emotions, reducing stress and boosting your immune system, “in turn, helping protect us against disease.” (Mental Health Foundation)
“You wouldn’t believe the pressure it takes off of someone when they’re able to talk to someone who not only gets it, but helps make it easier to work through something. It’s not just about listening anymore. It’s about thoughtful actions that inspire courage and bravery. ”
Our mental health influences how we live – how we see the world, believe in ourselves, and inspire others to do good too. Sometimes it feels as though the day gets ahead of us but by routinely building our resilience, we’ll strengthen our cognitive abilities and get the most from our time.
Strengthening our mental health first starts with a commitment to treating it like we would any other priority in our life. It takes time, focus, thoughtful care – no different than mindful nutrition, sleep, time with family or friends.
We know all this.
It’s the “how” that we get stuck on.
I’ve been stuck. But having recognized how important my three above points are, I want to stay unstuck so I can do more. I want you to do more.
So let’s commit to more opportunities to fuel our well-being. Today on this World Mental Health Day and every day. This is my wish for you – I want you to live well. Now let’s go make it happen.
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I dedicate this post to my dear Caterina – you’ve taught me (among many, many important things) the very essence of what it means to reshape my outlook (and how) because after all, our calmness begets focus which ultimately begets the very best life lived. Clarity of vision is very much the new chic. And trust me, Caterina knows chic. She’s the Features Director at Vogue Arabia.
