This time of year can be challenging for our mental health. The days are still short, the weather still cold, and the return to Central London after Christmas is a stark reminder that the holidays are well and truly over.
In recognition of this difficult time, today is London’s ‘Great Mental Health Day’. It’s a day which encourages people all over the city to discuss their mental health, share useful information and raise awareness of the support available in and around the city.
City Lit, Britain’s leading adult education college, based in Covent Garden, celebrates its annual Mental Wealth Festival every October to coincide with World Mental Health Day. Last year marked the Festival’s 10th anniversary, featuring three days of talks, panels, workshops, and performances.
These events focus on mental health support, restoration, and enhancement, which are particularly relevant today. Here are five key takeaways from the Festival to keep in mind throughout the year, as we consider our own and our colleagues’ wellbeing:
- Your health is your wealth – It’s easy for new year’s resolutions like more exercise, a balanced diet, or self-care to fall by the wayside as work ramps up. However, Dr Tara Swart, who spoke at City Lit in October, emphasised that even small changes to your routine can significantly impact your health, brain, and work. For instance, drinking half a litre of water for every 15kg of your body weight per day can boost resilience, brain function, and work performance.
- Professional success does not always equal happiness – Former Editor of Good Housekeeping Lindsay Nicholson shared excerpts from her memoir, Perfect Bound. She revealed at times when she was facing huge challenges in her personal life, she found solace in her work, achieving great professional success. However, this only provided temporary relief. Eventually, she had to confront her problems and the effect they were having on her mental health and wellbeing. Thankfully, Lindsay’s story is ultimately a happy one, and one of incredible strength and resilience, but her story highlights that professional success doesn’t always equate to happiness. It’s crucial to regularly check in on your personal wellbeing. For more insights, you really should read her book!
- You might need to clear out the tool shed – This isn’t about tidying your garage; it’s about addressing psychological bad habits that can affect work and relationships. Award-winning artist and City Lit Fellow Sir Grayson Perry used the analogy of the brain as a tool shed during his talk. He explained that sometimes, it takes speaking to a therapist to really clear it out. “If you clear out the tool shed, you still get to keep the tools,” he said. Therapy can help organise thoughts and emotions, making it easier to navigate both work and personal life.
- It’s impossible to get it right all the time – Life can throw unexpected challenges that impact mental health, such as economic fluctuations, environmental issues, geopolitical tensions, or even a global pandemic. This was a key topic in a panel discussion with distinguished business leaders and professionals. Despite their varied experiences – from managing a hospital ward during the Covid-19 pandemic, navigating politics after the 2008 financial crash, to leading a team out of the World Trade Centre on 9/11 – the consensus was clear: you can’t always get it right. We need to be kinder to ourselves, especially after stressful situations, and accept that making mistakes is okay.
- The importance of continuing the conversation – A common takeaway from many events during the Festival was the need to extend the conversation beyond its confines. Mental health is a year-round issue that requires continuous attention, building, and maintenance.
So, let’s continue the conversation. If you’re interested in health and wellbeing, visit the City Lit website to see their health and wellbeing courses.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in being part of this year’s Mental Wealth Festival, email mentalwealth.festival@citylit.ac.uk to find out more about how to get involved.