TL;DR

In late summer 2023, I realized my mental health was the biggest barrier to achieving my goals. Over the next six months, I made it a priority, working with a therapist on CBT, adjusting medication timing, and developing healthier habits (like meditating and wellness routines). This resulted in a noticeable improvement in my clarity, productivity, and overall well-being, which positively impacted my work and leadership.

This post is part of an effort to post more :)

Background and Context

Late summer 2023: During a performance review, I realized my mental health was my biggest barrier to growth.
- I had been diagnosed with depression years earlier and medication helped significantly, but I was still having breakthrough symptoms.
- It was preventing me from achieving ambitious goals and handling important work decisions (like what my team should prioritize in the following quarter)
- I made improving mental health a top priority in my personal development.
Early 2024: By my next performance review, my mental health had significantly improved.
- People around me, (such as my direct report and husband), noticed the difference in my mood and decision-making.
- My affect in meetings is better, and I am overall less reactive and [...]

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Outline:

(00:10) TL;DR

(00:45) Background and Context

(01:42) Nuance and Disclaimer

(02:25) Some ways progress has affected my work

(03:35) What Made a Difference (in my rough guess at level of influence)

(03:46) Therapy (with the right therapist)

(05:22) Changing the time of taking medication

(05:56) Meditation and Habit Tracking

(07:13) 80k podcasts on mental health

(07:32) Physical Routines

(07:36) Exercise

(08:08) Sleep:

(08:38) Final Thoughts

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First published:
November 21st, 2024

Source:
https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/9j35Qj5hAMs9hgAnd/how-i-improved-my-wellbeing

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

“How I Improved my Wellbeing” by Jessica McCurdy🔸