Maintaining Positivity, Balance & Mental Health

From a young age, people are encouraged to focus on achieving success. They’re always looking ahead at what they want to achieve in life, but most never develop a clear plan or vision to accomplish it. While success is important, some people today are struggling to juggle their hectic lifestyles. The pressure to obtain a high level of education, advance in one’s career and have a thriving family is unavoidable. Given all that has happened over the last few years, maintaining positivity, balance and mental health shouldn’t be seen as an elusive goal but a realistic possibility.

I’d like to share with you the experience and knowledge that I acquired along my journey; the zeal I have for learning and my experiences have helped to transform my thought process on the following topics to be discussed.

1. Maintain a good work-life balance
A long time ago I realized that achieving a positive balance in life is more of a harmonious integration between work and personal life. This shift in my thinking made me reassess my understanding of how to maintain a positive work-life balance. I believed that my work-life balance meant being all-round and adaptable. I remember pursuing a wide variety of tasks, both at work and at home, trying to be the best at my job and even better at being a mother. I realized early on that I needed to outsource housekeeping which then ensured that once I arrived home, all my attention went into my son. Eric M. Bailey even suggests that we cannot think of, “work and life as opposite weights on a scale, we should think of work as part of life.” This is my firm philosophy and I continue to live it. My advice is you shouldn’t strive for a perfect schedule, strive for a realistic one. It is important to be flexible, to understand that not all days are the same and to continue working on these two aspects of your life.

2. Think positively
I read a scholarly article on positive psychology that viewed positive thinking as one of the key elements of a successful life. This idea reinforced what I learned at a young age which was to focus on the bright side of life and to look at the positive even during difficult situations. As Zig Ziglar once said, “One small positive thought can change your whole day”. Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring reality, but shifting your outlook on life, and more importantly on how you manage those unforeseen circumstances. My approach to life is simple. I wake up in the morning and tell myself that my day is going to be a filled with positive interactions and results. For example, to start my day I post a positive message online. This simple action helps keep me on track with keeping a positive mindset.

A few years ago, I attended a course and all the participants were placed into groups. I noticed that a few of my group members were annoyed because they weren’t allowed to form their own group. I realized that their negative mindset was going to be a hindrance. Therefore, when the session began that evening, I decided to share the advice I received while growing up, as a result they were eventually able to shift their mindset and engage in positive discussion with their team members. I also discovered that training your mind to focus on the good aspects of life is invaluable. It’s never too late to start the journey to achieve a more positive mindset.

3. Positive mental health
Life can become overwhelming so it is important to ensure that you incorporate positive mental health practices within your daily life. From my experience people who adopt positive practices are better able to cope with stress, build fulfilling relationships and recover from negative circumstances. It is also important to note that positive mental health encompasses positive characteristics such as avoiding self-blame, goal setting/purpose, projecting confidence in new situations and maintaining relationships. I have been living in St. Lucia for the past 3 years and I found that making time for meeting new people has helped to enhance my mental health. I have joined a close circle of friends who rely on each other for support. They continue to inspire me to reach my full potential by fostering an environment that makes it easy to ask for help. I value my St Lucian tribe and all that they bring to my well-being. Human beings are social creatures by nature and the ability to share our achievements, concerns or worries are crucial to developing a more positive mental attitude. Moreover, it is important to remember that the holidays can be an emotionally trying time. If you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to seek professional help or reach out to friends and family for support. By taking care of your physical and mental health, you can create a more positive and enjoyable holiday season for yourself and your loved ones.

To sum up, I’d like to also encourage you to create the change you desire as it is never too late to pursue your vision for yourself. I firmly believe that your mindset contributes to the opportunities you make in life and as you grow your potential for success expands. The time is now to turn your potential to succeed into a reality.