IB Thrive: Personalise Your Wellbeing

PERSONALISE YOUR WELLBEING with Leanne Evans

Hello, everyone! I’m Leanne Evans, the co-founder of Oshun Workplace Wellbeing and a wellbeing and business consultant. Today, I want to provide you with valuable insights to transform your wellbeing and achieve success in both your life and business.

THE FOUR STEPS TO IMPROVING YOUR WELLBEING 

My journey into wellbeing has been quite transformative. I used to struggle with anxiety and depression, masking my inner struggles with a busy career and achievements. However, after a tough breakup, I realized I needed a change. That’s when I delved into wellbeing practices like yoga, sound healing, and exercise, leading to my passion for championing diversity and corporate wellbeing.

Today, we’ll cover four steps to improve your wellbeing: self-awareness, identifying blockers, exploring various wellbeing practices, and integrating them into your personalized plan. We’ll focus on emotional and physical wellbeing as key aspects of your transformation.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING

Emotional wellbeing involves building positive emotions, handling feedback, and dealing with competition. To enhance this, consider mindfulness practices, checking your thoughts, and finding support systems to talk things out.

For physical wellbeing, prioritize exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep. Find simple ways to integrate these habits into your daily routine, catering to your personality and lifestyle.

Remember, the results of prioritizing wellbeing include increased productivity, positivity, and profit in your business. So let’s embark on this transformative journey together!

WHY SLEEP IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT

I usually go to bed early, around 10 or 11. Sleep is incredibly important, and having both a morning and a night-time routine can be really beneficial. Switching off and winding down before bedtime is essential, being mindful and intentional about how your day went and acknowledging your successes. And if I wake up at 3 am with business ideas or thoughts, I jot them down and go back to sleep! They can wait until morning. 

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS

Managing stress is something I’ve struggled with throughout my life, experiencing burnout multiple times, both in my corporate job and as a business owner. Our bodies give us signs when we’re pushing ourselves too hard, like eye twitches or brushes on the skin. It’s essential to recognize these signs and take steps to manage stress, such as practicing yoga to activate the relaxation response and calm our nervous system. Hobbies are really good for switching off, too. When we’re doing something we enjoy, we’re not fixed to the outcome, it just really helps us calm down. Incorporating mood boosters into my day, like spending time in my car or listening to my favorite song, helps lift my spirits when I’m feeling down. 

BREATHING: THE TOOL YOU ALWAYS HAVE WITH YOU

Breathing is a powerful tool that I always have with me. It doesn’t have to be a complex session; sometimes, I just connect with my breath and notice its shallowness. Taking a moment to slow down and breathe deeply helps me manage stress and prevent burnout, allowing me to invest the right energy into my business and achieve better results. Setting boundaries with my time is crucial, and I admire those who can switch off their laptops. I know how easy it is to keep working without knowing when to stop, so implementing boundaries and saying no to unnecessary commitments is essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

CREATING A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT TO NURTURE YOUR WELLBEING

Considering my environmental and social needs is vital for my wellbeing. As an extrovert, working solely from home doesn’t work for me. I thrive when I can interact with people, so finding environments like Impact Brixton, where I can connect with others, is essential for my sense of wellbeing throughout the week. Creating a sense of community and authentic connections with fellow business owners is vital. 

Why not consider making your own wellbeing plan, showing a mixture of all of the types of things that you like to include in your week? It’s a great reminder to prioritise your mental and physical health!