#24 | Dr Sarah Vohra | Optimising your mental health.
Mar 7, 2022
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Dr. Sarah Vohra, NHS psychiatrist, shares insights on optimizing mental health through lifestyle changes and career experiences. Topics include journey into psychiatry, lifestyle modifications for well-being, challenges in adolescent mental health, and strategies for managing workload and building stability.
Establishing morning and evening routines are vital for mental preparedness and relaxation.
Physical exercise plays a crucial role in boosting mood, reducing stress, and improving focus.
Maintaining social connections aids in stress management and enhances emotional well-being.
Prioritizing mental health support in corporate settings through tailored advice fosters a supportive work environment.
Deep dives
Protecting Morning and Evening Routines
Setting a positive tone for the day is crucial by safeguarding morning and evening routines. Prioritizing activities in the morning, such as exercise, showers, and avoiding immediate screen time distractions, aids in mental preparedness. Similarly, a structured evening routine with a realistic bedtime curfew, screen device curfew, and activities like reading or bathing promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Importance of Exercise for Mental Health
Exercise is highlighted as a key element in enhancing mental well-being. Engaging in physical activity not only boosts mood and reduces stress but also aids in maintaining focus and improving sleep patterns. Moving the body, whether through simple walks or more intense workouts, contributes significantly to overall mental health.
Social Connections and Their Impact
Emphasizing the essential role of social connections, interactions with others play a significant part in managing stress and enhancing mood. Having positive friendships or banter exchanges with acquaintances can help individuals interpret stress factors more effectively and diminish their impact. Regular social interactions are noted as invaluable in fostering emotional well-being.
Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace
Recognizing the need for mental health support in corporate settings, simple gestures like checking in with employees and providing tailored advice are deemed more beneficial than generic resources or reactive measures like medication. Understanding and addressing the root causes of stress and overwork are crucial in fostering a supportive work environment.
Online and Resource Availability
Dr. Sarah Voorhe's online presence on Instagram as the 'The Mind Medic' offers mental health resources and guidance. Her books, focusing on mental health in children and young people, provide valuable insights and strategies to support both individual and youth mental well-being. Readers can access these resources for further understanding and assistance.
Podcast's Holistic Approach to Mental Health
The podcast episode encapsulates a holistic approach to optimizing mental health by addressing lifestyle factors, exercise routines, social connections, and mental health considerations in different settings. Insights from Dr. Sarah Voorhe shed light on practical strategies for individuals and organizations to promote mental well-being and resilience.
Engagement with Mental Health Brands
Dr. Sarah Voorhe's collaborations with mental health-conscious brands underline the importance of genuine efforts in mental health advocacy. Encouraging brands to prioritize continuous support and meaningful mental health initiatives beyond superficial campaigns is a key aspect of advancing mental health awareness and resources. Promoting authentic mental health engagement remains essential in brand partnerships and overall mental health advocacy.
Influence on Behaviors and Habits
Encouraging the adoption of healthy habits and behaviors, the podcast underscores the significance of consistent practices to maintain mental health. Building routines around exercise, social connections, and mindful activities enables individuals to form anchors that contribute to stability and well-being. Implementing these practical considerations can lead to positive habits and long-term mental health benefits.
In this episode, Fergus is joined by Dr Sarah Vohra: NHS consultant psychiatrist, author, and brand consultant - AKA 'The Mind Medic'.
We discuss Sarah journey into psychiatry, specialising in young people, her own mental health as a professional, as a mother, and as a consultant, as well as what WE can do to optimise our mental health.
Expect to better understand mental health from a clinical perspective.
Expect to consider your lifestyle in new ways.
Expect to learn how to optimise your mental health.
