Team LIVIN Mental Health Tips – 2nd Edition

You probably hear it over and over and over again these days – prioritise your mental health, prioritise self-care. But what does this actually mean? What does this actually look like? In last month’s news, you heard from some of the LIVIN crew as they discussed a few of the things they do regularly to look after their mental health. Below you will hear from the remainder of the team.

Remember, there might be one or two strategies listed below (and in last month’s newsletter) that you can start to incorporate into your life for improved mental health, recognising that self-care is very much an individual thing and working out what works for you, and what doesn’t is an important starting point. Then, it is super important to prioritise the things that work for you every day, or at the very least, consistently throughout your week. Consistency is key! But how do you build consistency? The answer is having a solid, clear plan and establishing a ritual. For example, wake up, shower, have a drink of water, exercise (or partake in the self-care strategy that works best for you) – this is a plan that you need to commit to. As the days turn to weeks the structure takes hold and becomes the path of least resistance. Soon, you’ll exercise (or meditate or journal – whatever works for you) every day even when you don’t necessarily feel like it.

Here’s what more of the LIVIN team had to say.

Casey – Co-Founder & CEO

• Life is busy, life can be hard and sometimes it can feel like things are being thrown at you from all directions – constant noise and a constant state of busyness. I find great freedom in structure. When my days are structured and planned out, my head feels much less chaotic, and I am less reactive. When my routine is out of whack and I have no structure, I start to think about everything that needs to be done, I become overwhelmed, and I don’t know where to start.
• Two things that I personally find extremely beneficial.
  • Planning my days and establishing a priority list (urgent vs important vs less important). I also tick tasks off as I complete them. This provides a sense of progress and satisfaction.
  • Saying no to meetings or things that, after careful consideration, might not lead to anything or that don’t require my attendance.
• A couple of other things that work for me. I love waking up and getting outside for a walk with my family, I like to have a cold shower, catching up with close mates who have my best interests at heart, camping and a cheeky game of golf.

Shaye – Social Media Manager

I have a few daily ‘non-negotiables’.

• I make my bed (and all my children’s beds) as soon as the household is awake. This seems to kickstart some momentum and motivation in my day.  
• I open all the windows in the house for light and fresh air.
• I play music on the car ride to school drop-off.
• I dance and sing to more music when I’m back at home.
• I drink as much filtered water as possible throughout the day.

Amy – Head of LIVINWear

As a mum of two young kids, a wife and working full-time for LIVIN, finding time throughout the day to spend solely on ME is essential. I have noticed that on the days where I ignore self-care, my ability to be the best mum and wife I can be, and the most productive employee is definitely hindered. A little bit of self-care each and every day helps me to show up as the best version of myself in all areas of my life. My self-care routine isn’t anything fancy, in fact the simpler I keep things the more I find I am able to maintain a healthy routine. Here are a couple of the things that I like to do to keep my head above water.

• Yoga: I love yoga for a few different reasons. I enjoy catching up with familiar faces and having a chat with like-minded people. Often, I’m speaking with other mothers about how hectic life can be and this provides fresh perspective which grounds me. I enjoy moving my body and shaking off some of the day’s stress, even if I struggle with some of the awkward poses. I also find that when I’m doing yoga I focus on really slowing down my breathing rate and living in the present moment, which relaxes me.
• Waking up an hour before the kids are up: I use this hour to sit on the veranda with a coffee and plan my day. Sometimes I will go for a brisk walk or slow run. Sometimes I’ll even do some cooking. This hour to myself, free from the chaos of mum life, is the most peaceful part of my day.

Action breeds motivation, not the other way around. Hopefully, some of the easy-to-implement tips above and in last week’s newsletter help you to kickstart a healthy self-care plan! Prioritise your mental health, prioritise self-care starting from…NOW!