Seize the Light Foundation

Our mission is to democratize holistic wellbeing, making it inclusive and accessible to all individuals regardless of background or socioeconomic circumstance. Through education, resources, and community support, we strive to empower everyone to embark on a journey towards comprehensive wellness, fostering a world where mental, emotional, and physical vitality are within reach for every person.

Mental wellbeing breaks have become more socially acceptable due to increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, as well as a growing recognition of the importance of self-care. This cultural shift has encouraged more people to prioritise their mental health without fear of judgment or repercussions.

Along my career journey, I’ve always made a habit of consciously taking mental wellbeing breaks (before they became normalised) between opportunities to help reset and prepare my myself for my next opportunity. During one vetting process, I had to submit an affidavit confirming that I was future employed to justify the gap in my employment history (I have more than one). This was only a few years ago. We didn’t have the language back then. If I was going through a similar process now, I would say that I was taking a mental wellbeing break. There is an underlying assumption that when we take breaks, something is wrong. And it’s not necessarily true. I would highly recommend taking breaks between opportunities to self reflect, rest and mentally prepare for the next opportunity. No one is coming to offer you annual leave, mental health days or relocation leave. Be proactive in taking care of yourself and your wellbeing. Thank you LinkedIn for normalising breaks (see page 6) - I’ve added in all mine ✅ P.s. Resting is productive too.

Have you taken a listen to episode 11 of The Lantern Podcast, “How to Transform Pain into Power”? Quick links can be found in the comments 🔗

Do you know that we offer FREE online resources to help you manage your mental and emotional wellbeing? ➡️ A Guide to Mindfulness eBook ➡️ 6 week Nutrition Plan (For Vegans) ➡️ 6 week Nutrition Plan (Non-Vegans) ➡️ The Lantern Newsletter - Wellness Coaching advice In addition, if you are a University law student: ➡️ Guided meditations for interview confidence and to help you cope with interview rejection ➡️ Guided breathing exercises to help you manage your exam stress and anxiety ➡️ Guided meditations to help you manage your exam stress and anxiety These are just some of the ways that we make Wellness Management easy 🤝

Yoga isn't just about stretching — it's a way of life. Its diverse components come together to promote overall well-being. Here's a holistic view of yoga's many facets: ➡️ Asanas (Physical Postures): These poses enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. They also help to detoxify the body and prepare it for meditation. ➡️ Pranayama (Breath Control): Regulating breath helps control the mind and emotions. Techniques like Ujjayi and Kapalabhati energize the body and calm the mind. ➡️ Dhyana (Meditation): A key element for mental clarity and inner peace. Regular meditation can reduce stress and enhance mindfulness. ➡️ Yamas and Niyamas (Ethical Guidelines): These are yoga's moral codes, such as non-violence (Ahimsa) and truthfulness (Satya), shaping our interactions with others and ourselves. ➡️ Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal): Turning inward, away from external distractions, helps in achieving deep focus and concentration. ➡️ Dharana (Concentration): The practice of focused attention, aiding in the attainment of mental stability and tranquility. ➡️ Samadhi (Union): The ultimate goal, where the practitioner experiences a state of oneness with the universe, transcending individual consciousness. ➡️ Yoga Philosophy: Based on ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita, guiding the spiritual and ethical dimensions of life. ➡️ Mantras and Chanting: Repetition of sacred sounds helps to align the body and mind, invoking peace and positive energy. ➡️ Mudras (Hand Gestures): Symbolic gestures that channel energy flow within the body, enhancing meditation and spiritual practices. We are all practicing some form of yoga on a daily basis. 📹 : Review from one of our participants in our Yoga for Women Empowerment initiative - launched in London earlier this month.

Practicing mindfulness can bring about a range of positive effects on one’s overall well-being. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating an awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgment, individuals can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. This mental clarity improves concentration and productivity, making it easier to tackle daily tasks. Additionally, mindfulness can enhance emotional regulation, leading to healthier responses to life's challenges. Incorporating these practices into daily life promotes a balanced mindset and fosters a sense of inner peace and resilience.

Last night, Seize the Light Foundation kicked off it’s mental wellbeing intiative in collaboration with Legally For You SA. We had law students from the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria and IIE Varsity College (Sandton) join us. An interesting conversation we had was about recognising isolation as an indicator of anxiety. We tend to not realise that we find social interactions too overwhelming when we are anxious. But what happens when we experience this for an extended period of time? Well, the answer is the looming loneliness epidemic. Thank you to all the law students who attended. Thank you for helping us continue our work to educate on the bespoke factors impacting mental wellbeing in the legal industry. And helping us build communities and safe spaces, where people feel seen and heard. No mind will be left behind 🤝

We just hosted our first-ever legally for you webinar. ✨🎥 The topic this month was handling exam anxiety and academic stress—a much-requested topic by our students! 🎓 Khanyi Tshabalala discussed various coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, time management strategies, and self-care practices. We also had powerful discussions around how failure does not define you, through encouraging students to reframe challenges as growth opportunities. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and we hope this serves as a valuable resource during exam season!