In the modern always-on-world, where we are expected to be contactable 24/7, have a successful professional and personal life, as well as lead and inspire our teams, it is no wonder that our everyday mental resilience is often tested. So how do we identify if we are heading towards a tipping point where our resilience begins to falter? Great leaders need to show, not just tell; inspiring your team through leading by example is the best way to create a positive wellbeing culture.
It could be considered that there are five signs that you need to increase mental wellbeing:
1) Your thoughts and outlook is more negative than positive: The power of positive thinking is an underestimated tool in mental resilience. Perspective is everything, if you approach challenges with a positive outlook, it is likely that you will have a positive experience that you will learn from. Start observing your thoughts, are they positive or negative? “The mind is everything, what you think you become.” Buddha
2) You’re worrying about the future or concerned about the past. Try to stay in the present moment, which is the only thing that is truly real. It is easy to worry about the future, but worrying will only take away the peace of today not the worry of tomorrow.
3) You’re constantly “switched on.” With technology and social media, it is easy to get swept up in the digital world and to constantly be available, but it is important to take time away from screens, media and other people. Why not try switching your phone off and allow some time to sit, free your mind of all thoughts and just be still for a few moments. This will refresh your mind, and help you gain clarify and inform decision making. It could even inspire new ideas and help to gain a new perspective.
4) You don’t spend any time on yourself. If you’re always answering emails and calls outside of work, and doing everything for everyone else, then you are likely putting your own wellbeing as a lower priority than you should. Take some time out to do something you love, whether it be relaxing with family, reading a book or taking part in your favourite hobby. Make sure that you incorporate an element of self-care into your daily/weekly routine.
5) The signs of mental stress are showing on your physical wellbeing. Not sleeping properly, emotional eating and the inability to sit still are all signs that we need to increase our mental wellbeing. Try some meditation techniques to induce sleep and to create a relaxed state of mind.
Sign up to Awbery’s Fit to Lead: Mind Webinar on Tuesday 27th February at 3:00pm GMT, where leadership and wellbeing expert, Mary Sisson, will explain in more detail the key principles of increasing mental resilience to adapt to change, manage stress productively and increase overall wellbeing.
