Mental health is something our team talks about often and we’re all passionate about more open conversations on the topic. There’s no stigma here!
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we wanted to share some of the strategies that have helped us on our individual mental wellness journeys.
This is the kind of journey that has no final destination: it’s a constant work-in-progress. But it’s the kind of ‘work’ that can actually become a joy and a pleasure.
We hope that in sharing, you get affirmation that you’re not alone, and that you also get some inspiration to explore on your own journey.
Easy mental health ideas from our team
Meditation
I didn’t know I was depressed until I got to the point of not wanting to live. I had a very scary experience and realised there are so many dreams I hadn’t fulfilled. So I made a conscious decision to get through anything that would come my way.
After the ordeal, I started practicing guided meditation. Wayne Dyer became my friend. I meditated every morning for 3 whole months. I went back to being calmer, sleeping through the night and enjoying the things I love doing. Having a gratitude journal where I write my top 10 reasons to be happy, every morning, is a constant reminder that life is beautiful.
— Ras
Doing something for others
Doing someone a favour makes me feel good.
— Faith
Switching drinks
I am 6 months coffee-free and it’s definitely helped me to significantly reduce my anxiety. I’m a proud member of the Tea Gang, lol! I also work out three times a week and meditate at least once a week. My bonus tips are tidying up; listening to reggae or RnB in the background; and art therapy.
— Stanley
Daily rituals
Having a consistent daily practice really helps to ground me. Noting my wins and areas for improvement each evening, along with a list of 9 things I’m grateful for, is a simple and relatively quick ritual that makes me feel good. Most recently, I’ve resumed my daily yoga practice. When my body moves regularly, my whole being feels better.
— Lulu
Journaling
I have learnt to identify my triggers so I can treat myself with love and patience whenever they occur. This happened through journaling and identifying patterns – for example, understanding what happenings bring about certain feelings. Being an empath and someone with codependency tendencies, I have learnt to take care of me first. I offer help but only to a healthy extent.
— Ras
I bullet journal everyday, for self-reflection, and that’s how I discovered I can write a book! I currently have one in the works.
— Faith
Dancing
I put on loud music and dance with my sons. It’s become a ritual: every weekend we must dance! If we don’t, they’ll remind me and we’ll have to create time, even if it’s just 15 mins.
— Faith
Being Intentional about what I consume
Including TV shows, social media and the news. I realised certain things leave me with so much heaviness. This practice has positively affected what I dream about at night🌻
— Stanley
Seeking external support
Seeing a therapist once a month has really helped me to safely delve deep; learn more about myself; and do some powerful healing work. I love that my therapist is so playful, holistic and unorthodox in her approach.
— Lulu
It’s likely you’ve heard these ideas before and they might seem relatively simple. In practice, the power of the simplest things is not to be underestimated!
