We are all dealing with our own challenges in life.

“Navigating the Business Landscape: The Crucial Role of Mental Health and the Art of Parking Pain”

What exactly does ‘parking our pain’ mean?  In the fast-paced world of business, where demands are high and competition is fierce, it’s easy to overlook the importance of mental health. However, the truth is that our mental well-being directly impacts our professional success. I want to share the importance of taking care of our mental health, mastering the art of parking our emotional pain, and the transformative power of revisiting our struggles when the time is right. If I can do it so can you, it takes awareness and self-compassion.

The Mental Health-Business Connection is woven into the fabric of our business:

Life is busy and often there the unexpected events that challenge us in our business. In the relentless pursuit of success, many individuals neglect their mental health, ( I learned the hard way the importance of managing my own mental health in all aspects of life) viewing it as a secondary concern. However, the connection between mental well-being and professional performance is undeniable. Once I learned how to navigate my mental health needs and pivot in life it was a transformative experience in my business and in helping my clients. It was being mindful of what I can handle at the moment. When our minds are cluttered with unresolved pain, trauma, loss, or grief, it hinders our ability to focus, make decisions, and build meaningful connections in the workplace.

Parking Pain: The Art of Temporary Detachment:

Acknowledging and addressing emotional pain is crucial, but finding the right time and space to deal with it is equally important. The concept of “parking pain” involves temporarily setting aside personal struggles to be fully present in a business setting. This doesn’t mean suppressing emotions but rather compartmentalizing them to maintain productivity and professionalism. Here is an example, a few years ago I was hired to do a presentation for a group of individuals in recovery and received a call an hour before that my favorite Aunt had died. Although it was expected, I loved this feisty 101 1/2-year-old lady. Yes, I cried for a few minutes, then put my sadness in a mental box and on the shelf in my mind, knowing when the presentation was done, I could let myself really FEEL the deep sadness. It was one of the best speaking events and no one knew of the loss.  We cannot always control life events but we can control how we handle them.

Being Present in the Moment:

Being present in a business setting requires a delicate balance. It involves actively engaging in tasks, collaborating with colleagues, and making decisions without the weight of unresolved issues clouding judgment. By learning to park pain, individuals can create a mental space that allows them to be fully present, contributing effectively to their professional environment.

The Timely Revisiting of the Pain:

While ‘parking pain’ is a useful coping mechanism, it’s not a permanent solution. It’s crucial to revisit and address the underlying issues when the time is right. We cannot ignore our sadness, triggers, and trauma. We have to deal with them. Manage our emotions or they will manage us. What we repress we will eventually express in unhealthy communication and behaviours. Suppressing emotions indefinitely can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and strained relationships. Scheduled periods for reflection and healing allow individuals to process their pain in a controlled and supportive environment.

Finding a Supportive Network:

Find a supportive group of like-minded business entrepreneurs. It is okay to be vulnerable in a place where you feel safe. Encouraging open communication, providing access to mental health resources, and promoting a healthy work-life balance contribute to a supportive environment. In my previous workplace in the RCMP I never showed any sign of vulnerability because it was not a safe space. I had to create my own self-care tools and positive group of support.

We have to take care of our mental health every single day, especially in our business.  A positive attitude helps. The only thing in life that we have complete control over is our attitude. In the dynamic world of business, mental health is not a luxury but a necessity. The ability to ‘park our pain’, be present in professional settings, and revisit personal struggles for healing is a delicate dance that requires self-awareness and resilience.

By recognizing the interconnectedness of mental well-being and professional success, individuals can navigate the challenges of the business landscape with a clearer mind and a stronger spirit. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not only a gift to yourself but an investment in your long-term professional success.

Never give up on you.