World events have put a stop of most of CandleX’ in-person activities, but that doesn’t mean we have ground to a halt! Online support groups, re-igniting old and starting new online mental health communities, kicking off our CBT online course club, and taking part in live online events are just a few ways that we have been keeping our movement going.
On 30 June CandleX Founder took part in an online webinar panel discussion on mental health awareness, “How to stay resilient in the modern world”. Organised by startup grind, the world’s largest community of startups, founders, innovators, and creators, this event was billed as ‘not just another coronavirus mental health event’ and featured a discussion of the specific mental health challenges facing startups and small organisations.
Alongside CandleX Founder and Director Xiaojie Qin, the event featured Enoch Li, former CandleX collaborator and Managing Director of Bearapy; host Sabrina Richardson, Director of Startup Grind Beijing; and Dalida Turkovic, Founder of Beijing Mindfulness Centre. The three expert speakers shared a whole host of tips and discussed their experiences as managers and mental health experts through targeted questions, a Q&A session, and some discussion.
Here’s some of their most valuable tips:
1. Look after your own mental health first
It is OK for managers and leaders to take a break if they need to: In fact, during stressful or uncertain times, it could be essential, Xiaojie argued using experiences from her own career.
2. Learn from conflicts
Communication is key to maintain good mental health in the workplace, and conflict may even be positive if it allows a team to move forward.
3. Be aware of burnout
The WHO has identified burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” and globally there is increasing recognition of this condition. Be aware of symptoms of burnout not just in the leader but in the whole team.
4. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness expert Dalida Turkovic explained how mindfulness, a technique a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, can be used as a therapeutic technique or a simple tool in the day to day.
The above image is part of the “mindful inspiration” series by the Beijing Mindfulness Centre.
5. Take a break
We’ve discussed the topic of self-care on this blog several times, but its importance can’t be overstated: Downtime, taking time for yourself, and leisure time were all highlighted as key mental health strategies during the event.
6. Give employees and collaborators space
Startups are often led by managers who are extremely passionate about their role. But employees or collaborators may have different priorities, and recognising this and giving them space, clearly defined roles and letting them air their frustrations were techniques discussed by the experts to foster a healthy work environment.
Have you joined our online course club yet? It’s starting next week – sign up with the QR code in the poster below.
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