As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day – a particularly significant date in the calendar for us as an all-female team – we’re taking the time to reflect on an important topic: mental wellbeing, work-life balance and the art of self-care.
As we are lucky enough to work amongst Scotland’s booming culture and events sector, our days can often be whirlwinds of drafting, deadlines and ever-growing to-do lists.
But amidst the wonderful chaos that is the world of communications, we’ve found it is crucial to carve out moments of peace and self-reflection.
Energy and mindset
International Women’s Day is all about celebrating women’s achievements, but what goes on behind the scenes to help us ensure we have the energy and mindset to accomplish everything we want to? We thought we would take this opportunity to share our own stories!
You won’t find any unattainable examples of perfection or unrealistic practices here, just our individual approaches to wellbeing at work, and beyond.
From balancing career ambitions with personal passions to navigating the ups and downs of everyday life, we’ve learned a thing or two about finding harmony, avoiding burn out and enjoying every day.
Whether it’s sweating it out in the gym, escaping with a good book or simply getting outside for some fresh air, here’s what works for us women…
Corrie
Spending quality time in the outdoors is key for me when it comes to keeping a healthy mind. We’re absolutely spoiled in Scotland with our incredible landscape and the huge (free!) playground it provides, so carving out some all-important time to head up a hill or get out on the water on my paddleboard, is a no brainer.
I find hiking and paddling provide a space for active meditation where I can be really present in my environment – the brain chatter instantly dissipates!
I am also a big believer in ‘talking it out’, so whether that’s chewing Hannah’s ear off or getting a good blether with a close friend, that interaction with the people who know me best is always an instant mood lifter.
In recent months I have found Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to be invaluable to my mental wellbeing. It’s allowed me to spot different thought patterns and be actively conscious of my feelings, ensuring I show myself the same compassion I give to others and be the very best version of me. I genuinely could not recommend it enough!
Hannah
Finding equilibrium amidst the chaos of life is a pursuit I’m intimately familiar with as a working mother of two little girls and a husband who is a dedicated workaholic (sorry Gary, but it’s true).
Balancing the demands of being the director of a business, alongside family commitments has meant that my personal wellbeing is an ongoing struggle, one where I often find myself teetering on the edge and have historically given very little priority to.
In amongst the hustle and bustle, I’ve unearthed a few sanity-saving secrets over the last year or so. One of which is time with family and friends.
These connections serve as lifelines, grounding me in a whirlwind world, reminding me that amidst the chaos, unconditional love and support offer respite and renewal.
Conversations with Corrie and our lovely team are also very good for the soul and for helping to recognise we’re all in it together.
Consulting with a nutritional therapist has been transformative, revitalising my energy levels and enhancing my mental capacity.
Running has also become very important to me, even if it’s just for a quick 15 minutes. Exercise serves as my sanctuary, but admittedly, carving out time for it remains a challenge in my daily schedule. I’ve learned to try to integrate it into my routine, recognising its profound impact on my mental health.
For me, breaking the stigma around mental wellbeing is crucial. I feel openly discussing the importance of good mental health helps to foster understanding and support, empowering others to seek the help they need without fear or shame. It’s increasingly becoming one of my favourite topics of conversation!
I would very much say I am a work in progress and my journey towards mental wellbeing and work-life balance is ongoing, but to be a role model to our two little girls who are embarking on this very challenging world, mental wellbeing is something that I feel I need to continue to recognise, embrace and prioritise.
Cat
When it comes to maintaining my mental wellbeing, I’ve found that staying active is key for me. Whether it’s an hour in the gym in the morning or a jog along the Clyde in the evening, exercise always helps me clear my mind and manage my anxiety.
Some days it’s easier to find motivation than others but, whenever I do make the effort, I always feel the benefit.
I also find keeping my surroundings neat and tidy significantly increases my mood; a clean and clutter-free space helps to make me feel calm.
This definitely helps with my productivity too; if I have an organised desk, I feel more focused and grounded while I’m working, especially during busy times.
Anyone who knows me well will tell you I’m an overthinker. While it’s a trait I’ve had since forever, I’ve learned to take things in my stride more as I’ve gotten older.
Trying not to worry too much about what others think has been a journey for me — one I’m still navigating — but I do believe it’s been beneficial. Life’s too short to dwell on every little thing!
Lily
I find it really helpful to have a routine where possible to ensure I’m making time for things that make me feel good, even when I’m busy.
Listening to music or podcasts helps me focus while working, and things like getting outside during my lunch break or after work now the evenings are getting lighter, taking the time to make a good dinner or bake something fun, and reading to wind down before bed are all helpful.
Spending quality time with friends and family is invaluable to my mental health, and opening up about how I’m feeling is so beneficial – sometimes just saying things out loud helps more than I ever thought it could, and to see that other people feel the same way and that we can all help each other when there’s an open conversation about mental wellbeing.
I’ve also been trying to stay off my phone more in the evenings and avoid doom scrolling and it actually does help (who knew!). And never underestimate the power of the little treat!
How are you celebrating International Women’s Day? Let us know over on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn, we would love to hear from you!