Q&A with Ben Longden
Digital Design Director @ The Guardian
What do you find yourself overthinking about the most?
Overthinking for me manifests itself as ‘under-creating’. When I have not been able to do much creative work I always feel low. And that is when the mind wanders. I wouldn’t say I have a specific thing I overthink about. Sometimes though if things are not going right — if work i’ve done gets rejected or if something you want to happen doesn’t, then the questions of “is it me?” creep up. These can be moments where overthinking can become a problem, imposter syndrome and other feelings of anxiety can muddy the mind and it become a bit of a vicious circle.
How do you deal with ‘what if’ and ‘should have’ thoughts if they play on your mind?
For me the best way to over come these thoughts is to keep going. To push yourself into those areas where you think I should be doing this, or I wish I had done that. I don’t think there is ever a reason to ask what if in a negative way — it’s always a positive thing. What if I tried that? Is a really positive thing to think, and creativity is the answer — for me anyway — being able to ask those questions is the blessing and the curse of the creative mind. And for me it helps me to channel it into my work and any creative output in whatever form that takes.
What do you do at night if your mind is swirling with thoughts?
Write them down, and turn them into posters! I always have ideas at night or when my mind is swirling around, and for me I try and channel that into being and feeling creative. Beyond that I find that moments of mindfulness, and the ability to just focus on breathing and attempting to clear my mind is a really powerful way to empty it of any of the negative stuff, and bring in more ideas, creative thought and positive ways of thinking.
When you feel overwhelmed what do you do to cope?
Listen to music or do something with my hands. I really understand that for me the best way to deal with feeling low or overwhelmed is to create something that I wouldn’t usually make. So I work at The Guardian and spend all my time looking at and designing the news — so I stay clear of that. And draw, or write, or play music. These creative outlets allow the mind to think in a different way. For me the worst thing I can do is do nothing.
How do you maintain balance?
Learning from mistakes in the past: over doing it, or not allowing myself the time to step away from the day job.
I think balance is about what is the thing that makes you feel most creative in that moment — and allowing yourself the time to do that.
I know practice yoga regularly and it’s something that I make sure that I give myself the time to do — even if I have alot of other things to do or need to work on other things, giving myself that time to step away means that when you come back it will always feel better.
How do you open a conversation around mental health with someone who you feel is struggling?
Ask them how they are — or tell them how you feel. Opening up about yourself is a great way to make people see that others feel the same, and the they will open up to you. And it’s only going to have positive effects for you and for them.
How do you help someone constantly talking about their worries and seeking reassurance?
Firstly I think it’s a good thing to tell them that everything is fine. And to help give perspective. For instance at work if it feels overwhelming — it’s always worth thinking — “this isn’t a real job” “I design things, draw things and write things” “No-ones life is at stake and no-one dies if you design something wrong”. I think it’s trying to encourage balance and to step away, to do something new, different and literally give their mind a break from the worries they have. Because the mind needs to rest too, if they are spending the time worrying the mind will be tired, and this will manifest in physical tiredness too. Advice, positivity, energy and excitement are all cures for worries and negative thinking.
