Ihave often wondered why people celebrated their40th asa milestonebirthday.Itwas only afterIwas ontheother side ofthis day could I understandwhy-not only doesyour40th birthdaycelebrate the fact thatyou are getting olderandwiser,butitalso whispers thatchange is coming!Not just physically, but emotionally as well.  

Around this time, I started experiencingmental strainand excessive worry that led to changes in my sleeppatterns.Consequently, I wastired and cranky.I attributed it to a significant change that had occurred in my personal life.Evenafter thingscalmed down on that front, I still didnot feel like myself.I felt as though a new person was living in my body, and each day felt like a chore. 

The only thing that kept megoing during this time was my work!I was laser focused when it came to work each day. Cisco became my validation and, in some ways, my salvation that the person I knew was still in there. 

One day, while verifying my benefits enrollment,I came across Cisco'sEmployee Assistance Program(EAP). My curiosity was piqued, andI calledthe number.Whena kind ladypicked up on the other end of the line, I broke down.I could notbelieve myself. I was pouringout my heart out toa stranger! Shewas extremely patient, and after I calmed down, shespoke veryreassuringlythat everything would be okay.I was notalone, andhelp was available.  

As a Portfolio and Program Manager, I am resourceful and task oriented. In retrospect, I feel that it was my inherent action-oriented nature, coupled with the excellent company cultureat Cisco, that drove me to reach outthat day. Along with the EAP, I also tapped into Vida Health, another Cisco resource for employees that provides a virtual health coach.  

Today, I feel like I have come a long way towards making progress from where I was couple of months ago. There is no short cut, no silver bullet, no instant coffee. The journey towards emotional, mental, and overall healthis a gradual one, but it ispossible,and you will become stronger because of it. 

Each journey is personal, but here are a few tips I learned along the way: 

1. Get help! Get support! Talk to someone- Whether it is a professional or someone you knowpersonally whowill raise your spirits, find someone to talk with-this is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It is okay, and even necessary to ask for help.

2. Have compassion for yourself- In a society obsessed with perfection, we become too hard on ourselves. We push ourselves to be better, faster-perfect!Remember, we are all human. Be compassionate with yourself, always.

3. Meditate -Meditation can help to clear our mind,provide inner strength andkeep abalancedperspective. Just a few minutes of meditation when you are struggling can calm your mind, organize your thoughts, and help you tackle tasks with confidence!

4. Exercise- Other than the immense health benefits, exercise reducesstressors on the body. It also releases endorphins, which trigger positive feelings. Our body, mind, and breath are all interconnected and influence each other.A little movement each day to elevate our heart rates can go a long way.

5. Nourishment -There's plenty of research extolling the benefits of eating ahealthydiet that includes freshfoods, whole grains, healthy fats, etc. Whereas, eating adiethighin fat, sugar,and processed foodshas beenlinked to boostinginflammation. Love yourself, eat healthy and keep your brain healthy! 

 Life is a roller coaster, especially in the year 2020.Where there is joy, sunshine, happiness, and peace, there will also be sadness, pain, grief,and storms along the way.But there is support out there for you should you need it -we are all in this together. 

Ready to join our team?Apply now. 

Subscribe to the We Are Cisco Blog