The link between lifestyle choices and mental health
Carlie Victor, Founder of Real Active
What’s top of your gratitude list this week?
I am grateful to Sydney for turning on amazing weather (it’s the middle of winter and it’s 25 degrees today)! I am grateful to have my health (honestly, this is one I repeat daily). I am grateful to work from home and to my own schedule - I’ve fallen in love with Japanese yoga and it’s on at different times every day and I’m so grateful to not be restricted by corporate working hours / lunch breaks. I am grateful to my husband who is my rock and truly brings out the best in me.
What are your thoughts on the link between lifestyle choices and mental health?
I believe our lifestyle choices have a huge impact on our mental health. For me, the mental benefits I get from exercising outweigh the physical benefits (of course these are great too). I know if I move my body I am calmer, more energised and focused throughout the day. I know I feel my very best when I am feeding my body with nutritious food, drinking enough water and getting at least 8 hours sleep – but at the same time, I’m a firm believer in balance and will never deny myself a nice glass of red or treats. The 80% / 20% rule works for me.
Tell us about Real Active and the work you do with mental health charities?
I’d always wanted to start my own business and dreamed of ways I could use my own experience to help others. For me, exercise is a big part of my mental health journey. Real Active is an active accessories brand (selling unique 2.2L drink bottles & workout towels) supporting mental health charities. 10% of all Real Active proceeds go to mental health charities batyr and The Yoga Foundation and I also run events to raise additional funds.
There is a strong scientific evidence to show that helping others is good for our own health and happiness, have you found this to be the case with your work and time volunteering?
Definitely! I honestly feel so happy to know that I am even making a small difference to something that affects so many people. 1 in 5 people suffer with mental illness here in Australia with a shocking 8 suicides daily! I believe that every one of us has the power to create change for causes we are passionate about.
The Dalai Lama says that the happiest people are the most giving people and I definitely believe this. Think about how you feel in your own life when you help a friend out or show kindness to a stranger. It’s so powerful!
You have been very open about your struggles with anxiety and depression - can you tell us a little bit about your well-being journey?
I started struggling with anxiety very early on. I was about 16 when I had my first panic attack whilst sitting a school exam. For me, anxiety and depression came hand in hand as when my anxiety was at its worst, I would often withdraw and in turn feel alone, isolated and depressed. I have always been very highly functioning with my mental health struggles and often those around me would have no idea I was struggling.
I’d say the past five years I have really listened to my own heart and put my mental health first. This has meant being more open and honest with my struggles and most recently turning my experience into a business where I can support others who are going through the same thing.
What’s the best piece advice you've ever been given for looking after your well-being?
It’s okay to say no. Like many women, I went through life people-pleasing and saying ‘yes-yes-yes’ when my body (and soul) was screaming ‘no’. I now know it’s okay to say no, it’s not selfish to pause and rest and it’s from this place of love that you can really help others.
When you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do to bring yourself back to balance?
The first thing I will do is stop and breathe (taking five deep belly breaths). Often, I will take 10 minutes and lye down and do a guided meditation (it’s the last thing I feel like doing but the one thing I know will get me out of my head and into a better headspace). I love Japanese yoga, which works with meridians so leaves you feeling so much more relaxed.
I head out into nature – there’s nothing better then heading out for a walk surrounded by beautiful trees and bird life. I absolutely love the ocean, feeling the sand beneath my feet and swimming in the water.
I write in my gratitude journal – no matter how bad things seem, there is always something to be grateful for and reminding myself how lucky I am to have clean water and food, a roof over my head and my health can really put things into perspective.
I also swear by lavender and chamomile or peppermint tea.
We are advocates of play and having fun to reduce stress and anxiety. What play do you inject into your life?
Same! I think play can make anything fun. You’d probably laugh if you saw Dimitri (my husband) and I singing and dancing around the house while we clean. It’s so important to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously.
We’ve also started some new rituals – every week we do ‘around the world’ dinners where we spend a few hours in the kitchen together and cook something from a different country. We love cooking and it’s a great way to be creative and spend quality time together. We also turn off our screens and play a board game once a week (current favourite is old school scrabble)!
What’s one area you currently working on improving in your life?
I’ve been placing a focus on social and professional connection. While I am so passionate about Real Active, I really noticed since starting the business and working alone how much energy I used to get from being around people in an office environment. I found I really started missing that connection, so I now make it a priority to schedule regular lunch catch ups with friends and attend lots of collaborative events where I can network and meet new people.
If you could recommend just one habit or ritual to someone starting out on their health and well-being journey, what would it be?
Mediation - even if it’s for 10 minutes a day, it’s such an incredible way to create some space in your mind.
Describe your perfect dream day, if there were no limitations……
Waking up without an alarm to the sound of the waves crashing, sitting watching the ocean enjoying my morning coffee and breakfast with my hubby. Going for a hike or a swim. Getting a massage. Being surrounded by good friends / family and having a BBQ, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Dancing around feeling so free and happy
Any parting advice for how to welcome in healthy, happy, mindful living?
Don’t be so hard on yourself! Honestly, we have the tendency to be our own worst critics. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be superwoman. It’s okay to make mistakes and you should make mistakes as that’s when you grow and learn. Treat yourself kindly, like you would a best friend.
Change doesn’t happen overnight so be proud of yourself for wanting to better yourself and for trying! Remind yourself how short life is and really try to appreciate the small things. Don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow, just focus on now and make the most of it.
Real Active is on a mission to create a healthier, happier world. Check out their unique 2.2L drink bottles and workout towels - they donate 10% of all proceeds to their mental health charity partners. Read more at: https://www.realactive.com.au