STUFF I’M THINKING ABOUT
Why looking after ourselves — and each other — matters in work, life and everything in between.
I've often said that time is a strategic asset. It's a philosophy that sits at the heart of KISS & Co. But World Mental Health Day got me thinking about another asset. Arguably, our greatest one.
Our health.
Because what good is all the time in the world if our physical or mental health is suffering and we can't enjoy it, make the most of it or do the things that matter to us? Perhaps we could be thinking about our wellbeing with the same strategic attention we give to everything else in our lives.
Neuroscience research into prolonged stress suggests it can affect our ability to think clearly, regulate emotions and make decisions. And when we're constantly operating under pressure, we can begin to identify so strongly with our coping mechanisms that we lose touch with other parts of ourselves.
We may still be functioning. Still delivering. Still appearing capable. But mental wellbeing is about more than functioning. It's about being able to think clearly, feel connected, enjoy our achievements, navigate challenges and recognise when something isn't right.
In business, we talk endlessly about strategy, performance, productivity and results. But an organisation is only as strong as the people behind it. When those people are struggling, the effects can ripple through teams, relationships, decision-making and ultimately the business itself.
In life, we're partners, parents, children, siblings, carers, colleagues and friends, sometimes navigating grief, divorce, financial worries or health concerns while balancing our responsibilities, ambitions and everyday challenges. We can become so accustomed to carrying these pressures that we stop recognising what they might be costing us.
Having spent much of my career supporting CEOs and senior leaders, I've seen just how much goes into helping someone perform at their best. The diary, the priorities, the meetings and the decisions were only part of the job. There was also the listening, the venting, the sounding board, the confidential conversations, the encouragement, the celebrations, and simply recognising when someone needed a little breathing space. In many ways, supporting their mental wellbeing in the workplace was part of the role, even if it never appeared in the job description.
In these high-pressure environments, stress was normal, sometimes so much so that it became part of my professional identity. Always capable. Always available. Always finding a way forward.
On the flip side, mental wellbeing can also be viewed positively. It's about confidence, fulfilment, connection and making the most of what's going well. Celebrating achievements, nurturing ideas, building on positive energy and recognising what we're capable of are just as important.
I've learnt that lending support to others isn't always about finding the solution. As a natural problem-solver, my instinct can be to jump straight into fixing mode. But sometimes people simply need to talk, organise their thoughts or feel heard. Other times, they want an objective perspective, practical advice or someone to challenge their thinking. Knowing which mode to be in can make all the difference.
From my own perspective, I'm learning to recognise negative patterns of thinking and the language I use with myself, consciously challenging and reframing them when they arise. I'm also more deliberate about protecting my wellbeing and more aware of what helps me feel healthy, happy, focused and effective. Better routines, nutrition, movement, rest and recovery are part of that. I've also been experimenting with wellness technologies, including neurotechnology devices.
And, of course, getting organised remains one of my favourite ways to create breathing space. Not to squeeze more into an already overcrowded day, but to get clarity on what's necessary, remove what isn't, ask for help and protect time for what matters.
None of this has diminished my ambition, my standards or my ability to operate in demanding environments. Quite the opposite. I feel better equipped to perform at my best because I've learnt to think more strategically about my time and how that supports my wellbeing. Dare I say, it's the KISS Effect?!
And one final thought. I’ve been talking about mental wellbeing, but our minds and bodies aren't separate departments. Stress doesn't politely confine itself to our thoughts. It can affect our sleep, immune system, cardiovascular health and much more.
But that's a whole other rabbit hole. And another Sarah Says… thought for another day!