Reclaim Balance, Stability, and Motivation this Mental Health Awareness Month

As a business psychologist and advisor, I have a unique, unbiased perspective on workplace culture. And I’m here to confirm what you’re already thinking: there’s been a massive, collective shift in our mental health due to the pandemic. Every week, employees come to me to discuss their mental health and every week, I hear the same things, “I feel like I lost two years of my life,” “I don’t recognize myself,” and “What am I doing and why?”

It’s not our fault that we’re feeling stalled, but it’s up to us to move forward. Here are a few ways to start moving past indecision so you can take back your inner peace.

The pandemic has put us in a state of chronic ambivalence.

COVID propelled us into widespread chronic anxiety. Anxiety causes uncertainty. Uncertainty fuels ambiguity. Ambiguity leads to ambivalence. This is where it gets particularly tricky. Ambivalence is the absence of decision or action, which keeps us in a passive state where making decisions feels impossible. It’s like being stuck in a confined area where you can only move side to side, never forward.

It’s normal to feel ambivalence at different points in our life. The problem — as with any difficult emotion — is when it becomes chronic. This can lead to feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and overall not feeling like our true selves. Ambivalence makes it hard to stay present because frankly, it’s numbing. It can be easy to fall into the trap of being constantly checked out.

We put our lives on hold for two years. For the sake of our mental health and wellbeing, we need to shift from a “wait and see” mindset to a “now’s the time” way of thinking.

How to Take Back Your Mental Health:

1. Seize the “microjoys.” The world can be overwhelming. In a blink, we moved from a pandemic to a war between Ukraine and Russia. How do you find happiness when the headlines are this upsetting? Cyndie Spiegel, author, speaker, and community builder, says microjoys, or finding joy in tiny things, can help us feel hope and optimism. Microjoys can be as simple as noticing bright colored paint, purchasing a new houseplant, or watching a breathtaking sunset. They’re the things that remind us: life is worth living. Even in the darkest times, we can still find happiness and meaning.
2. Pinpoint where you feel stuck. Which parts of your life are most affected by your indecisiveness? Assess these areas: community and relationships, spirituality and connection, work and professional endeavors, financial health and abundance, creativity and self expression, physical health, and mental wellbeing. Once you figure out the areas that could use help, focus a bit more time and intention there. Once you know what needs work, it’s easier to make decisions that spring you forward.
3. Remember who you are. If you’ve fallen out of touch with your values and what brings joy and meaning to your life, it’s really tough to make decisions. The byproduct of indecisiveness presents itself in different ways. Maybe you’re struggling to change your job or address the issues in a one-sided relationship. Yes, we’ve all changed in the last two years, but we can — and should — anchor ourselves to who we really are. Spend time reflecting on what makes you you. When you know who you are, it’s easier to identify the things you’re happy with and what you want to improve. As yourself: What do I value? What are my strengths? What brings me joy?

Mental Health Awareness Month is an important time to evaluate, reflect, and reset. 2022 is a particularly important year for all of us to do this. I encourage you to see May as a clean slate. Forgive yourself for any inaction and take even a small step forward. By prioritizing our needs and doing the things that bring us joy, we can feel present, whole — and fully alive.