5 Boxers share their approach to mental wellness
The CDC reports that more than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. At Box, we firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. In turn, we provide Boxers with access to Modern Health and Headspace, as well as flexible time-off including 11 paid holiday’s and an additional 5 company wide Fresh Air Friday's, all with the goal of providing Boxers with the support and resources needed to thrive both personally and professionally.
A large part of advocating for mental wellness is doing our part to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Our efforts are year round, but each May we join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health, in hopes that others feel less alone. This year, we’ve asked members of our Mindfulness Slack channel, an Employee Interest Community where Boxers can learn how to integrate mindfulness into their day-to-day lives, to share how they stay grounded even in times of high stress and anxiety. Our hope is to inspire others to think about how they can create space to support their mental wellness journey. Here’s what they had to say:
Nikki Ramis, Senior Executive Assistant
“I am very much a creature of habit. I am really rigid about my sleep, the hours I have slept will be how I feel the next day. So I make an effort of 7-8 hours of sleep. I normally start my day with waking up before the brood, incorporate some type of movement (yoga, a HIIT run or weights) for 30 mins. Afterwards a 10 minute meditation. I don’t check my emails or phone until I am officially online/in-office. I really try to pay attention to my mood, how my body feels and how my headspace feels each day. When it starts to get heavy I will feel it and it’s my queue to break away from either work, the kids or the house. This looks like walks with my fur babies, hanging in my backyard for some sun, taking a power nap, or eating a childhood favorite PB&J (inner child).”
Dani Schuchman, Senior Team Manager, User Services
“When I start feeling stressed and overcome with the work around me, I like to take a break and breath - step away from my computer to make a drink, walk around the house, or even go outside for a short walk. This allows me to clear my mind, take a step back and put everything in perspective - what am I working on, what do I need to focus on, and what my outcome should be. I can then reset myself, get my focus right and continue what I am doing.”
Latisha Ellison, Internal Communications Specialist
“I’m a part of a meditation group that meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings for a 20 minute meditation along with a 10 minute community-building chat, which focuses on how we’re coming into the space that day. This is a great way to ground myself and tune into how I’m feeling and release any stressors I may be feeling, so I can take on the day in a more centered way. I’m not a morning person, and I’ve found that I’m more productive and feel more focused in the morning than on days I don’t do a meditation. In addition to meditation, the group also provides a sense of global community in which people from across the world are cheering you on in your wins and sending love and encouragement when times are tough.”
Andy Rehder, Senior Security Engineer
“Having a healthy inner state is a high priority for me! I setup my home office with things that promote a peaceful vibe like plants, artwork, music, and calming colors. I take breaks for yoga, meditation, prayer, and to get hugs from my partner. I also really enjoy getting to know my fellow Boxers, hearing how their life is going, hopefully injecting some humor into their day, and trusting they'll be there to help me whenever I need it. When I'm done with work for the day, I completely shut off the work part of my brain and forget I even have a job until the next morning. For me, 'life' is the larger part of the work/life balance.”
Alexa David, Senior Communications Manager
“I have been an anxious person my entire life, so mental wellness is something I have had to always actively manage. I try to stay consistent in seeing a therapist who has helped me create a ‘toolkit’ that I can utilize when I feel stressed or anxious. This includes long walks with my fluffs, doing a Peloton ride, talking to my Husband or my Mom, cooking a more complicated recipe, or cleaning. I’ve also been known to book and plan spontaneous trips but that can be an expensive coping mechanism. I'm usually able to ground myself, and keep myself from spiraling, when I do things that require a deeper level of focus.”
It’s on all of us to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Whether it is by sharing your own story, reaching out to someone in need, or donating and volunteering with organizations like the National Alliance of Mental Illness, or the Mental Health Foundation.