mental fitness. let’s make it a positive conversation.
mental health has historically been a taboo subject, especially for men. It carries stigmas and connotations which most prefer to steer away from, and in the process making conversation, dialogue and addressing a most important need, unapproachable and overlooked.
by now it was a well researched and understood fact that our mental state and well being affects almost all we do and all we are. Consciously and subconsciously. How we approach our mental well being begins at a very early age and continues to be molded by our parental/adult figures, as well as societal demands and expectations, most of which, we learn to suppress and stigmatize rather than support and address.
matching in our “noggin” tees
fodada’s mental fitness campaign incepted in 2018 looks to shift the dialogue around mental health to focus on the positive impact and value it can have. We want to introduce shifting mental health to mental fitness as a preventative and positive approach. An approach to keep your mental health state healthy and fit. Why not? to address your physical fitness, you must continue to work on achieving, maintaining or pushing yourself. All of which are seen as positive steps by society. So why not apply the same concept to our mental fitness? We can all do more to be mentally fit. For ourselves and for our children. It begins with simple, approachable perspective change and steps which connect you and your children while applying this concept.
we’ve been working with dads, families, and mental health professionals on simple steps we can all be comfortable with and actually use in getting better about taking care of ourselves. They are listed below and also printed inside our “noggin” design shirt. not unlike our other designs, it is intended to support our initiatives. To help in engaging dialogue. positive dialogue. and of course while looking and feeling good.
mental fitness five for fathers:
TALK- anything, anytime, anywhere. We have an invisible wall that doubles in size when we have kids. Talking, dialogue and conversation are incredibly important even when they are about the most ordinary and mundane things. Taking topics and subjects in your daily lives, in the news and attempting to process and break them down to relevant and digestible portions lead to connection, understanding, respect and usually, tangentially, help you arrive at a much more needed conversation.
LET THEM IN - “they’re just a kid, they won’t understand...” If there is anything we’ve learned as parents it’s that kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for and the more they know, the better they’re able to understand, appreciate and comprehend. We believe that we need to always ask. About their day, what they learned, who they played with. But we also need to let them into our world. Your day, what you are working on, what your plans are and what you are working through. Show them how you think, explain to them what you’re grinding through at work, tell them something you haven’t figured out yet. You sharing about you, shows them it is ok to open up, shows them respect that you care to share and brings the walls down. A step towards a lifetime of open dialogue.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, FIRST - on an airplane, you are asked to put on your oxygen mask first. It’s very difficult and easy to forego this but although we think of it as selfless it actually is detrimental to you and your relationships. You were a person prior to your kids and your loves and passions have a place in your life now. Take care of yourself so you can take better care of those you love. You will be setting a great example on how to approach a balanced life.
BE PART OF THEIR WORLD, THEIR LIKES AND INTERESTS - its child’s play, and I’m going to join in. at some point in your child’s life they begin to develop their own likes and dislikes, be it in fashion, music, subjects or friends. By being connected to their interests and curiosities you validate them as individuals and stay connected with them. The chasm between a parent and child can grow quickly but it can be remedied by mere interest and respect into one’s preferences. It displays the respect you have for them as individuals and allows for exposure into their world.
GIVE YOURSELF AND THEM GRACE - it is ok not be to be ok. Read that again. We were never meant to be and will never be perfect. We can not check off every box or meet every need, which is frankly healthy. But this goes both for you and your kids. Find peace and pleasure in giving yourself and your kids some latitude. It feels amazing.
simple steps is how it’ll begin. Take a step forward. As small or big as you feel comfortable. And undoubtedly, when there’s a step or two backwards, comfortably and easily re-engage. This is a process, not an event. There are no finish lines. Rather this is an opportunity to experience, learn and grow.
considering taking the next steps towards better Mental Fitness for yourself or those you think may benefit? Check out our partners at Advekit. They provide additional insight as well as an innovative matching program with professionals.
