October 10th is World Mental Health Day.
This day is especially important to me because a member of my direct family has endured personal struggles with mental well-being. As anyone who has experience with these kinds of struggle knows, when things don’t go as planned, it affects everyone, and it can be very challenging to try to shift dark moods and difficult moments back to good.
I will admit that I did not always have a good understanding of these issues, and honestly, there were times when I probably did not relate well. But through both my personal experiences and related research, I’ve come to understand how critical it is that everyone dealing these struggles get the support they need in a way that works for them.
That’s why I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significance of this day and emphasize the importance of mental wellbeing by exploring the things we can do in the workplace – both collectively and individually – to promote awareness, provide support, and create a nurturing environment that empowers everyone to thrive.
On a company-wide level, organizing global webinars and local activities aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing valuable resources is a good way to help your workforce stay informed and sensitive to the struggles of those around them. It can also encourage them to reflect on their own mental wellbeing and highlight the support outlets your company offers to remind them that, whatever personal challenges they may be facing, they are not alone.
Physical activity can help
On an individual level, I think it can be easy to underestimate how something as simple as physical activity and movement can help sustain mental well-being. Engaging in regular movement, whether it’s a walk, biking, lifting weights, or any form of exercise, can significantly boost your mood and overall mental health. Regular physical activity – especially outdoors or at a gym – also provides opportunities to meet people and socialize. And incorporating fitness goals into your exercise regimen can boost self-esteem, giving you the chance to celebrate your personal achievements.
Like many of you, I work virtually and know how easy it is to get lost in long stretches of work. So, when I get stressed, I make it a point to turn to exercise. As a longtime runner and golfer, I’ve personally experienced how movement has been beneficial to my mental health.
But even if it’s not a disciplined exercise routine, we can all benefit from taking a break to move. If video isn’t essential for your next Teams call, why not take it on the go? I’ve found that stepping away — even going outside for a walk — not only refreshes my mind but also sharpens my focus during one-on-one conversations. Without the constant ping of emails and messages, I can truly engage with what the other person is saying.
Just a little movement can boost our mood, our productivity and our interpersonal connections!
Supporting wellbeing and mental health
Finally, I’d encourage other companies to follow Strada’s lead in instituting a Wellbeing Survey. We’re launching our first this year and I think it’s a great way to check-in with our colleagues and help us understand how we’re doing when it comes to providing the mental health support they need.
As the CEO of Strada, I want to mark World Mental Health Day 2024 by confirming our commitment to the wellbeing of our colleagues. I want to encourage them to take care of themselves and each other, remind them of the support outlets we’ve made available to them, and reassure them that they are not alone. It’s OK to reach out for support. We are here for you. Together, we can make a positive impact on our collective wellbeing which also has a major impact on families, friends, clients and the world around us.
