Yasmeen Duncan, MBA, MA’s Post

🫤Finding Balance: Navigating Mental Health and Work with Grace😊 In today's fast-paced world, the juggling act of managing mental health while excelling in the workplace can often feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net. But fear not, because finding balance is not only possible but achievable with the right mindset and support system.✨️✨️ It's essential to recognize that mental health episodes are a part of life for many individuals. Rather than viewing them as obstacles, we can see them as opportunities for growth and resilience. By acknowledging our struggles and embracing vulnerability, we create space for understanding and compassion, both within ourselves and in our professional environments.✨️✨️ One of the keys to maintaining balance is establishing boundaries. Whether it's carving out time for self-care rituals, setting realistic work expectations, or communicating openly with colleagues about our needs, boundaries serve as guardrails, guiding us along the path to equilibrium.✨️✨️ Additionally, cultivating a supportive network can make all the difference. Surrounding ourselves with colleagues and mentors who champion mental wellness creates an environment where authenticity is celebrated, not stigmatized. Remember, it's okay to lean on others for support when needed.✨️✨️ Furthermore, integrating mindfulness practices into our daily routines can enhance our ability to navigate challenges with clarity and composure. Whether it's through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to pause and reset, mindfulness empowers us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.✨️✨️ Ultimately, the journey to balance is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one individual may not work for another. The key is to approach the process with patience, kindness, and a willingness to adapt.✨️✨️ So, as we navigate the delicate dance between mental health and work, remember we are not alone. Embrace your journey, celebrate your victories, and know that finding balance is not only achievable but within your grasp. Together, let's create a workplace culture where authenticity, compassion, and well-being are valued above all else. ✨️✨️ #together #mentalhealth #stronger #lowdays #help #together #strength #passion #drive

🦉 BALANCE between work and mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Here are 5 tips to help you navigate this delicate equilibrium: 1️⃣ Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Define specific work hours and stick to them. This allows for dedicated time to recharge and focus on mental health. 2️⃣ Take Regular Breaks: Breaks aren't a luxury; they're a necessity. Schedule short breaks throughout the day to stretch, breathe, and clear your mind. Stepping away from work momentarily can enhance productivity and reduce stress. 3️⃣ Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it's exercise, meditation, or a hobby you enjoy, invest time in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. 4️⃣ Communication is Key: Open communication with your team about your workload and deadlines. Transparent conversations can lead to better support and understanding, creating a healthier work environment. 5️⃣ Learn to Say No: It's okay to decline additional tasks if you're feeling overwhelmed. Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency, and don't hesitate to say no when needed. Your mental health should always be a top priority. Remember, finding balance is an ongoing journey. By implementing these strategies, we can foster a work environment that promotes both professional success and mental well-being. 💼🧘♂️ #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #CareerTips

🌍Happy International Self-Care Day 2024!🌍 Today is an important reminder to prioritise our well-being and incorporate self-care into our daily routines. Self-care is a crucial aspect of maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Here’s why it matters: Boosts Productivity: Taking breaks and allowing ourselves time to rest can significantly enhance our focus and efficiency. 🧘♀️ Prevents Burnout: Regular self-care routines help us stay energized and avoid a burnout. 🔋 Enhances Creativity: A well-rested mind is more likely to come up with creative ideas and solutions.💡 Improves Mental Health: Engaging in activities like mindfulness, exercise, and hobbies can support our mental well-being. 💆♂️ Promotes Work-Life Balance: Setting aside time for self-care helps us create boundaries, leading to a happier and more balanced life. 😄 On this National Self-Care Day, let’s commit to taking care of ourselves and encouraging those around us to do the same. How do you practice self-care? Share your tips and inspire others to prioritise their well-being too! 🧘♀️ #SelfCareDay #WellBeing #MentalHealth #Productivity #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCareMatters

As high achievers, we often push ourselves to the limit, striving for perfection in our careers and personal lives. However, in our relentless pursuit of success, we sometimes overlook the importance of self-care and mental well-being.🍎 In light of this tragic loss, I urge each one of you to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Here are a few pieces of advice to help prevent such devastating outcomes: 1- Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's exercising, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies, prioritize self-care as an essential part of your routine. 2 - Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling emotionally. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 3 - Set Realistic Goals: While ambition is admirable, setting unrealistic goals can lead to burnout and stress. Set achievable objectives and celebrate your progress along the way. 4 - Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine to reduce stress and cultivate a sense of inner peace. 5 - Create Work-Life Balance: Strive for a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. Set boundaries, disconnect from work when necessary, and make time for activities outside of your career. Let's honor the memory of the individual we lost today by taking proactive steps to prioritize our mental health and well-being. Together, we can create a supportive community where no one feels alone in their struggles. I invite you to share your own tips and experiences in the comments below, as we strive to support and uplift one another in our journey toward mental wellness. #wellnessjourney #psychology #recognition #wellbeing #selfcare #health

Feeling stressed at work? You're not alone! Occupational stress can have a significant impact on brain function, leading to difficulties in concentration, memory problems, and decision-making. Here are some tips to manage stress while at work: - Take Regular Breaks: Step away from your desk to clear your mind. - Practice Mindfulness: Use deep breathing or meditation to stay centered. - Stay Organized: Keep a to-do list and prioritize tasks. - Stay Active: Incorporate short exercises or stretches into your day. - Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries to ensure personal time. Prioritizing mental health can enhance productivity and overall well-being. Let’s create healthier workplaces and support each other in managing stress! Feeling like the stress of your workplace is too much to handle on your own? We can help, give our office a call at (847)558-6160. #OccupationalStress #BrainHealth #WorkLifeBalance #StressManagement #BrainTraining #NaturopathicMedicine #FunctionalMedicine #NaturopathicPhysician

🌟 Maintaining Mental Well-Being in the Midst of Work and Life Demands 🌟 The world is fast-paced these days, and balancing work and personal life while maintaining mental well-being can be a real challenge. It's something I've been working on a lot. Here are some strategies that have helped me, and I hope they can help you too. First, it's important to set clear boundaries. Define specific work hours and stick to them. Turn off work notifications after hours to ensure personal time is truly personal. Next, make time for self-care. Do activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's a hobby, exercise, or simply relaxing. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Third, practice mindfulness and meditation. Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation. These practices can help reduce stress and improve focus. Fourth, organize and prioritize tasks. Use tools like to-do lists and planners to keep track of tasks. Prioritize what’s important and don’t be afraid to delegate or ask for help. Finally, stay connected with family and friends. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with loved ones can provide support and relief. Take breaks, don't skip them! Short, regular breaks during work hours can boost productivity and mental clarity. If you need help, don't be afraid to seek professional help from a mental health professional. Therapy and counseling can provide valuable tools and perspectives. Balancing work and life is an ongoing journey. By being mindful and proactive, we can create a harmonious life that fosters both professional success and personal well-being. Let's take the steps towards a balanced and fulfilling life together! #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #SelfCare #Productivity #Mindfulness Let's connect ✌

How Are You Really Feeling at Work? Let’s Chat! 🌟 Hey! As we juggle hybrid work and endless to-do lists, it’s crucial to check in with ourselves and each other. So, how’s your mental well-being these days? Quick Tips for Balance: Breathe & Recharge: A few moments of mindfulness can do wonders. Have you tried it lately? 🌿🧘♂️ Share a Laugh: We all need a good laugh! What’s the funniest thing that’s happened during your work-from-home days? 🤣🏠 What I’ve Noticed: Setting Boundaries: Balancing work and home life can be challenging. What’s your secret for maintaining that balance? 🏠💼 Support is Key: Regular check-ins and a listening ear can make a huge difference. How do you support your team or colleagues? 🤝💬 Your Turn: What’s one thing you’re doing to take care of your mental health? Any tips or funny work-from-home stories to share? Drop a comment below and let’s support each other through this journey. Your insights might just inspire someone else! 🌟💬 #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealth #HybridWork #WorkLifeBalance #LinkedInCommunity

Don't charge your phone in the morning , Charge yourself. Prioritize Self-Care: Charge Yourself Before Your Phone In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, it's easy to fall into the habit of reaching for our phones as soon as we wake up. However, a growing movement advocates for a different approach: prioritizing personal well-being and mental health before diving into the digital world. The mantra "Don't charge your phone in the morning, charge yourself" encapsulates this philosophy, emphasizing the importance of starting the day by focusing on self-care and mental preparation. By taking a few moments for personal reflection, mindfulness, or engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, individuals can "charge" themselves emotionally and mentally. This deliberate approach sets a positive tone for the day, encouraging a clearer and more positive mindset, potentially reducing stress and enhancing overall mental resilience. This advice also serves as a reminder to establish healthy boundaries with technology. By resisting the urge to immediately check messages or notifications upon waking, individuals can create a space for personal well-being, mental preparation, and mindfulness. This intentional pause can set the stage for a more balanced and positive approach to daily activities. In essence, "charging yourself, not your phone" encourages individuals to prioritize self-care, mental preparation, and mindfulness at the beginning of each day. By doing so, individuals can set a positive foundation for the day ahead, promoting overall well-being and a healthier relationship with technology. #mindfulmornings #selfcareFirst #positivestart #wellness #morningmotivation #life #lifeadvice

"𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬?" is one of the most common questions I get when I teach workshops around mental health or wellbeing. You know how it goes: we leave work but "bring" our colleagues with us and this constant mind chatter jeopardizes our mental health. During a training for the entire team at Kaizen Gaming yesterday, among other things, we talked about some practical tips to place boundaries and clear our headspace after work: 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Create a routine or ritual that signals the end of work and the start of personal time, such as taking a pause before you walk in the door and mentally noting the transition to the second part of your day. This could look like taking a few conscious breaths as soon as you return, washing your hands and putting on comfortable clothes, taking a walk outside, hugging your loved ones or making your favorite cup of tea. Choose something that signals the transition and stick to it. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 Don't expect to relax just by watching Netflix! Engage in active rest practices that consciously support your nervous system. Think about it this way: it's not enough to just turn off your phone - you need to actively charge it every day. This could mean practicing mindfulness, yoga nidra, gentle stretching or taking a nap. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 If you struggle to disengage, plan regular activities after work that are nourishing, such as a gym class or creative hobby. A scheduled activity will help switch your mind to something that brings you joy, and because it's scheduled, you kind of...have to do it, even if you don't feel like it sometimes! If you struggle to commit, plan something with friends - accountability and social connection will support you even further. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 Implement “tech-free” time or zones to disengage from work and recharge. This could look like: no phones in the bedroom, tech-free dinners or no emailing after 6pm. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲  Wind down with a calming, predictable evening routine to help you mentally transition from work mode to rest. Turn off devices, dim the lights, read 5 pages of a book, or take a warm bath. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Mindfulness trains our mind to stay focused and helps deal with rumination. It strengthens our muscle of attention so we can leave intrusive thoughts about work behind. #leadership #wellbeing #mentalhealth