Life Doesn't Stop at Work

A Mixpanel co-worker wrote an article close to their heart and asked me to share it with my followers anonymously. My intention with this newsletter was for you to get the perspective of Mixpanel from our people, and this is from another lens. When I first read this article it did touch me; the world has been overwhelming, it is a necessity for each of us to put our mental health first and foremost. What does your heart need today?

I wrote this piece because I needed to process the world that we are living in, and all that I am inundated with, on a regular basis. As I was writing, I realized that many of you probably share some, if not all of these sentiments too, so I decided to make some edits and share it with you. My hope is that by sharing this, you will see that you are not alone.?

There is a lot going on in our world today. It feels like every time we turn on the news there is another tragedy that has taken place. In the U.S. we have seen our Capital raided, countless shootings and the effects of climate change becoming ever more apparent with extreme heat and little to no rain. Across the seas, we have heard about families dying because of war, and innocent lives being taken in Iran for protesting to have their basic human rights. It seems as though the flood of bad news is never ending, and always getting worse. It is a lot to take in and process, regardless of whether or not you are directly impacted, but especially when these events affect you or your friends and family directly.?

With everything going on lately, I have found myself feeling powerless. Wondering what it will take to put a stop to the violence. Wondering how people can be so vile. Wondering how it is possible to go on living life like nothing is happening because I am fortunate enough to be on the outskirts of all of it.?

It is these thoughts that remind me how inextricably linked my mental health is to my environment and what I am absorbing. I am a deeply feeling person, and I can’t just shut it off. I have to consciously work to focus on things that I can control. For instance, I can go to rallies, repost stories, and listen/learn about what is going on outside of me. I can take 5 min breaks when I need to, connect with people, enjoy nature, and check in on my loved ones. While all of these things are in my control, I can’t just do them once in a while or at a scheduled time. I need these things throughout the day, which means oftentimes while I am at work.?

For so long the narrative has been that we are supposed to leave our personal lives at home when we walk into the office, or when we open our laptops; however, the lines between the two are becoming increasingly blurred. Many of us work from home, making our home life innately part of our work-life, and in the age of technology, we are constantly connected to what is going on around us. If it isn’t a news headline flashing across your screen, it may be a text or a call from a loved one. Regardless, there isn’t a time that we are separated from our everyday lives when we are at work. So for me, one of the things that I have found myself extremely grateful for these days is being part of a company/community that encourages me to bring my authentic self to work, meaning sometimes I am a ball of anxiety that requires a little extra support, and there is no judgment around this. My manager has seen these days, and when I ask for additional guidance in prioritizing my to-do list or planning out task execution, she is right there with me.?

In such challenging times, it is impossible to ignore our mental well-being, to shove emotions under the rug, and pretend that they don’t exist. So it is important that you make time in your day to do a full body scan every so often to see where you are at. Ask yourself what needs can you meet at this moment. Do you need a sip of water or a breath of fresh air? Do you need to phone a friend to remind yourself of the good in the world or have a safe place to vent? Do you need to email your therapist to set up your next appointment or have a 10 min dance/karaoke party??

I find that making sure I check in with myself throughout the day and keeping on top of the little things makes my day easier and helps to balance my mood. While it sounds like a simple thing to check in with yourself and meet your needs consistently each day, it can be a big ask.?

I am beyond grateful to work for Mixpanel, where I know they prioritize my overall well-being. The care they show for each of us is highlighted in our unlimited sick leave policy which expressly states that mental health is part of sick leave. Furthermore,?we have six free therapy sessions a year through Modern Health, Daily Check-Ins. While I don’t normally follow the journal prompts, receiving a reminder to check in with myself from a company-sponsored platform is the reminder I need, that it is more than okay to do what I have to, to be my best self.?

If there is anything I have learned over the years, it is that mental health should always be a priority. So, if you need someone to talk to or a place to find resources, please know that my messages are always open (ask Kelley for my info).