WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: ESSENCE SMITH
HEY ESSENCE, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
- DJ (3 years)
- Owner of ELMS Events (Local event planning business in Chicago, IL) (1 year)
- Director of Operations and Communications at SocialWorks (4.5 years)
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
All of the time! I am extremely hard on myself, so whenever I make a mistake or if I feel like I've disappointed someone on my team - it hits me hard. I mentally beat myself up which then causes a feeling of sadness and anxiety for days at a time. I am working on this though and getting better day by day :)
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
Some unique challenges that I encounter specifically from my job are definitely high levels of stress, pressure and anxiety. Like I stated in my answer above, I take pride in flawless execution so much, to the point that if a small mistake occurs, it has a lasting impact on my mental. This is no way to be! Of course working hard and aiming for the best is great but remembering that mistakes are bound to happen is incredibly important, especially if you can be hard on yourself...like me.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
I realized that I should consider my mental health when taking on day-to-day activities after my first panic attack in 2019. On a regular basis, I feel as if my "to-do" list is never ending which often heightens my anxious thoughts and feelings. Having my life "under control" and not asking for assistance was my way of life, so when I felt a shift and things didn't weren't going as planned, (on top of being pulled in different directions with work and personal endeavors) it broke me down completely and is something I never want to experience again.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
I manage stressors on a day-to-day basis by taking time for myself, when needed. I try to begin each day with some sort of meditation and/or devotional. I recently re-did my patio too! This allows me to sit outside and have nature all around me... which I love. Nature sounds playlists are my go-to when I feel anxious and/or stressed so being able to have that in the comfort of my own home as really helped me and brought me joy.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
Being mentally healthy in my field of work is very important because when I am mentally healthy, I not only think the clearest but I have a more positive outlook on life which then affects the way that I work with my team and the energy within the workspace.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
Eustress at work looks like me having a LOT on my plate at all times but being able to take it in at pace that works best for my mental well-being. Knowing that stress is inevitable, it's important for me make sure there's balance when it comes to my work tasks and my mental health.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
Hobbies are important! Find things in life that bring you joy outside of work. Listen to your body! Don't bottle up your emotions, talk about them or write them out.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
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