It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay! The Neolth team is hard at work every day to expand access to mental health support and eliminate stigma - but today we wanted to highlight how our team members care for their mental health. We encourage you to share your own self-care activities and tag @neolth on social media!
Katherine, Co-Founder & CEO of Neolth
“Incorporating self-care into my routine may look like taking a break during the day to go outside with my dogs or to work out. Sometimes it’s falling asleep early to get a few extra hours. Lately it’s been practicing self-compassion exercises to remind myself it’s ok not to be perfect. Having your own schedule for self-care is important, but I also believe having a ‘self-care buddy’ - someone who can remind you to take a break - is vital. When burnout takes hold, we don’t always recognize it. It may take a friend or co-founder’s nudging to realize we need to press pause and focus on self-care."
Burgundy, Engagement Intern at Neolth
“This is my stuffed elephant, Jose. I have a particular affinity for elephants because they are symbols of strength, protection, and wisdom. Amidst all the day to day chaos, when I need to take a moment to collect myself, I usually hold one of the many elephant trinkets I have as a reminder that I am strong enough to get through another day.”
Claire, Chief Medical Officer at Neolth
“At 62 years old, I’m by far the oldest member of the Neolth team. I’ve been doing Pilates for over 20 years, and I can’t imagine what condition I’d be in without it. Pilates works my core, yes, but it also gets me into my body, releases tension and boosts self esteem. I believe it’s just as much a mental health practice as a physical one. Pilates, like yoga, demands close attention to your breath and body position, making it a powerful tool for developing self compassion and mindfulness.
During the pandemic, I’ve continued my weekly sessions, going early in the morning and wearing my N-95 throughout the entire grueling hour with no problem. Between sessions, I practice almost every day, even if only for a few minutes - because I enjoy it so much.
This is a lot for me because when I was young I “hated” exercise and disliked my body. I was born with half my right foot missing, needing two big surgeries in order to be able to walk. All through my early childhood I was told my future would likely be spent in a wheelchair. I felt clumsy and “wrong” in my body for so long, and it took until my early forties to find what works for me. Every day I’m grateful I finally did!”
La’Toya, Engagement Intern at Neolth
“Music and singing is a game changer for me! It helps to lift my spirits when I’m down, celebrate when I have the best days, and express my truest thoughts and feelings when I’m avoiding them. Music is truly a tool to navigate through my mental wellness whether it’s a bad or good day!”
Jimmy, Student Ambassador at Neolth
“Going on a hike or long walk has always been therapeutic for me. I’m able to think clearer, make better decisions, and feel a sense of well-being, especially when I’m surrounded by untouched
Isabelle, Education Intern at Neolth
“Something that improves my mental health is spending time with my family and doing activities that we enjoy together, like going to Celtics games!”
Khrystina, Outreach & Engagement Specialist at Neolth
“Music has been my saving grace since I was a kid. I’ve grown up playing instruments, listening to music, and singing - and eventually beatboxing like I was in this photo. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I go for a drive and blast music so I can sing my heart out. This lets me process a lot of emotions by listening to certain songs, and it also reminds me of the power of my own voice. Singing often gives me the confidence to face the issues in my life head on and has gotten me through so many hard times.”
Anh, Student Ambassador at Neolth
“I love spending time outside, whether that be at a park, watching the sunset, or going for a walk, a break away from social media or electronics always helps me ground myself and feel whole again!”