As a part of Men’s Health Week (June 12 – June 18) Talking Talent looks at how increased wellbeing can improve mental health.
Wellbeing implies a sense of thriving, flourishing, being fully alive, ‘firing on all cylinders’ and living life to the full, as well as feeling balanced and calm, contented and at ease with life. Wellbeing is affected by many elements in our lives and varies from person to person because each of us has a different combination of psychological, emotional, social and physical resources upon which we draw. Our wellbeing fluctuates depending on the events, challenges, and experiences we encounter in our lives. When individuals have more challenges than resources, their seesaw dips, along with their wellbeing, and vice-versa.
Understanding our own wellbeing triggers and keeping an eye on the ‘see-saw’ is important for all of us. At Talking Talent we work with a unique framework which reflects the factors known to drive wellbeing. Today we’re looking at Authentic Relationships and sharing some tips that will help you re-connect with yourself and others.
Humans are social animals. We seek acceptance from our peers and the feeling that we belong in the environments in which we work and live. Authentic relationships are those that involve a high degree of trust, mutual respect, and honesty. Authenticity requires a genuine sharing of our inner self, irrespective of the consequences. The benefits of these relationships are obvious but building genuine relationships takes time and effort. When we’re too busy, too tired and spread too thin, when we are not looking after ourselves, our relationships suffer. Instead of continuing down a spiral look for opportunities to rebalance.
To achieve authentic relationships, you need to be authentic yourself. So, ask yourself ‘who are the important people in my own life and am I giving them enough of me?’ Consider yourself and your interactions at work and look for ways that you can create a culture of fun. Make a short list of the people you haven’t reached out to in a while and drop them a note to ‘check-in’, or pick up the phone for a chat. Try to make people feel special without pretence or agenda, by listening with an open heart to their concerns.
By being human, keeping it simple and honest, you allow yourself to be a real person and in turn ground yourself in your own authentic self. So, go on, pick up the phone…
You can find out more about Talking Talent’s Wellbeing Programme by contacting Rob Bravo at rob.bravo@talking-talent.com
