Erica Taylor, co-founder and chief growth officer, TINSEL Experiential Design, New York
"During quarantine, I got very into jigsaw puzzles as a way to do something with my hands but turn off the busy thoughts in my brain. Now, as we re-emerge, I'm finding it so energizing to do very physical things like rollerskating and socially distanced, masked-up dance parties outside in my neighborhood. My biz partner, Adette C. Contreras, is also a pro at mindful rituals and practices focused on well-being."
Evan Babins, event project manager, C2 International, Toronto
"In order to keep mental health in check, I try to walk away from the computer a couple of times a day to play with my 9-month-old son. Working from home has its benefits in that I got to see all his 'firsts' in real time and not on FaceTime from the road or from a hotel conference center. Additionally, putting on a good Spotify playlist full of feel-good songs helps keep life balanced."
Paige Dorman, vice president of sales, EideCom, Minneapolis
"2020 was the most challenging year of my professional career, and my mental health became more important than ever. I started to focus on the 45 minutes right after I got home/done with work to focus on me. Usually, this has revolved around working out, but sometimes it was a stretch or dog walk to connect with nature. More recently, I have decided that I need more of a challenge, so I signed up for my first ever SPRINT Triathalon to continue to push both my physical and mental health."
Mia Masson, content director, Swapcard, Paris
"Being stuck at home during lockdown, reading a book or listening to a podcast after work while I cook or before bed allows me to travel in my mind and escape work stress while giving my eyes a rest from the screen!"
Stephanie Douglas, district account manager, CORT, Boston
"Mindfulness and balance is my May mantra. They are total (long-term) life-changers once you incorporate them into your daily mindset. It really is the seemingly inconsequential moment by moment choices you make that will build a healthy lifestyle."
Hana April Chughtai, CEO/Wicked Visionary, Hana April Inc., Minneapolis
"I believe mental health awareness became front and center during the pandemic, with the ability for companies to acknowledge mental health more and be vulnerable in discussion within company culture. I am prioritizing my mental health by allowing myself to take a day off, head out early or shut off my phone or emails when I feel I am at my max capacity. I am recognizing more when my mind is telling me I need to focus on taking care of myself before I reach my breaking point. Whether that be going outside for a long walk listening to music, binge-watching true crime or not looking at emails all weekend, I am also allowing myself to not 'work' and be OK with that by telling myself that work will always be there; it is OK to take care of myself first."
Maggie Barton Baird, principal, MB & Company, Edmonton
"For Mental Health Awareness Month, and hopefully every month after, I am committing to moving physically every day—be that a walk, yoga or a bike ride. When I commit to daily movement, it helps me not only feel better but it helps create space to spark creative ideas and solve problems."
Zumrad Bayhanova, independent speaker and event manager, Miami
"I listen to podcasts (Heather Monahan) about building confidence and Mindvalley podcasts on the latest trending topics about wellness, books, interviews. I go into nature: Travel has always been my way of recharge. I am a mountain person. My latest trip was to a German-founded town in Brazil called Monte Verde—absolutely recommend this place. I speak with my mentor: It is important to be accountable to someone you admire and who can cheer you up on a cloudy day."
Carol Priest, founder, Carol Priest Entertainment, Toronto
"I don't allow my to-do list to run me. Now I run my to-do list by scheduling specific times in my calendar. Admin time, social media time, deep-dive business planning and, yes, lunchtime. I also have a personal calendar. Masterclasses through Mindvalley have given me a lot of food for thought, and now I take time to listen to the birds in the morning."
Nicole Nichols, associate director of marketing and event management, The New York Academy of Medicine, New York
"When the quarantine first started, I said I had to get a game plan to utilize my time wisely and keep my mind fresh even while working remotely. Nature has become my self-care partner. I meditate in the morning (when the house is quiet!) and have become an avid walker (over 15,000 steps, two to three times a week). Recently, in regard to work, I made it 'No Zoom Fridays.' Mondays through Thursdays were so saturated with meetings, I felt I was struggling to make it through the week. I made the executive decision to mind my mental health."
Ruby Sohi, founder and director, Royal Blue Events Management, Toronto
"Waking up early and starting the day right with a workout and at least 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation. On days when I really don't want to, I remind myself how good I'll feel afterward and what a great start it will be for the day. I also take five minutes before every team meeting to do a quick 'check-in' to see how everyone is feeling outside of work. This is a great way to allow those I work with on a daily basis to share anything that might be on their mind, everything from pandemic blues to new and exciting wins. Finally, I no longer feel guilty when I decide to binge-watch a show on Netflix and escape from the real world!"
