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Dr.Milena Braticevic is a graduate of the California Institute for Human Science with a PhD in Integral Health. Her work focuses on prevention-based strategies for overall wellbeing, sustainability, and mental health. Her research on the effects of increasing awareness of nondual consciousness and natural state in young adults revealed a considerable decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as an increase in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—skills that are essential for the future of work. Milena currently provides her mental resilience and psychological safety programs to businesses and educational institutions, such as the California Institute for Human Science and the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.
What is integral health?
Milena tells us that integral health is a holistic approach to well-being that recognizes the interconnection of all aspects of an individual’s life. It takes into account not only physical health, but also emotional, mental, spiritual, social and environmental factors that contribute to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. The idea behind integral health is that a person cannot truly be healthy if any one of these dimensions is neglected for too long.
In practice, integral health encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits in all areas of their lives, from eating nutritious food and exercising regularly, to showing appreciation, and engaging in meaningful relationships and purposeful activities. It also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and spiritual connection, which can help people cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness.
Ultimately, the goal of integral health is to support individuals in creating a harmonious and fulfilling life, where all aspects of their being are integrated and working together in balance. This holistic approach to health can lead to sustained resilience and improved overall wellbeing.
Why are business leaders more vulnerable to anxiety and depression?
Milena points out that business leaders and entrepreneurs are three times more likely to develop anxiety and depression, because they are often highly driven individuals who are passionate about their work and willing to take risks in order to achieve their goals. However, this high level of motivation and drive can also put them at greater risk for anxiety and depression. There are several reasons why business leaders and entrepreneurs may be more vulnerable to these conditions:
Stress and pressure: Business leaders face a high level of stress and pressure as they try to build and grow their organizations. They typically have a sense of responsibility for the success of their company, and the pressure to perform can become overwhelming.
Isolation: Business leaders and entrepreneurs often work long hours and spend a lot of time alone, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. They may also have difficulty balancing work and personal life, leading to burnout and a lack of social support.
Financial insecurity: Business leaders are responsible for managing financial instability through periods of feast or famine. The stress of managing finances, combined with the pressure to succeed, can lead to anxiety and depression.
High risk: Leaders and entrepreneurs are constantly pushing themselves to take risks and innovate, but this also means that they are more likely to experience failures and setbacks. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
Since leaders today face unique challenges that can put them at a higher risk for anxiety and depression, it’s important for them to prioritize mental health, seek support from friends and family, and engage in self-care activities to mitigate these risks.
Using thoughts as tools
Milena mentioned that using our thoughts as tools can be a powerful way to manage anxiety, and it’s important to be aware of the quality of our thoughts. Here are some strategies for using our thoughts to be more mindful of anxiety:
Challenge negative thoughts: When we have anxiety, it’s common to have negative thoughts such as “I can’t handle this” or “I’m going to fail.” It’s important to challenge these thoughts by looking at things from different angles, and choosing ways of thinking that will be positive and supportive in the long run.
Practice cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on how thoughts influence our emotions and behavior. Learning to identify thoughts that are causing negative emotions and improving the quality of thoughts can lead to more adaptive behaviors.
Focus on the process: Anxiety often arises when we worry about the future or ruminate on the past. By focusing on the present moment and the process of learning and change, we can reduce stress and become more mindful of what’s available to us in any given moment.
Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel anxious. Accepting and acknowledging that we all occasionally experience feelings of anxiety can help us develop a more compassionate and supportive relationship with ourselves and each other.
By using our thoughts tools and becoming more aware, we can reduce the grip that anxiety has on our lives and develop a more positive and empowered relationship with the world around us. Understanding that we are a part of something bigger can improve a sense of agency, belonging and common purpose. It’s important to remember that change takes time, so be patient and kind to yourself and others as you work through these strategies.
Disclaimer: The above video and content is for educational purposes only. The expert health advice offered in this video are that of the specialists. For more details, you can contact them directly or consult your health expert.