The intricate connection between mental health and physical well-being has been at the forefront of health discussions globally. Recent insights into the power of social connections, and the damage of loneliness, underscore this link, revealing the importance of community involvement for overall well-being.So ‘the mentl space’ podcast sat down with fitness manager of Optimal Fitness in Dubai, Tony Deeney and the popular clinical psychologist Dr. Thoraiya Kanafani (known as Dr. T), to explore that connection between the social, the physical and the mental.SummaryIntroduction to today’s show. 0:03Welcome back to 'the mentl space'.Loneliness is damaging to health as tobacco.Building a sense of community and belonging. 2:44Building a sense of community at the gym.Mental health and mental health.What has taught you to lean into your mental health? 4:53Personal experiences.Why exercise is a big part of life.What the autonomic nervous system is and how it works.The parasympathetic nervous system.The connection between mental health and physical health. 9:22The connection between physical and mental health.The mind-muscle connection when training.The importance of mental and physical health. 11:54The importance of both physical and mental reps.Mental health reps.The first four things to focus on.Emotional regulation and how it works.How to deal with negative self talk. 17:09Creating vibration and emotional regulation.Tackling negative self-image and self-talk.How journaling can help with mental health. 18:49The benefits of journaling and social media in dubai.The negative effects of social media.Proper hygiene of avoiding social media.Encouraging people to show up for themselves.How do you prepare your client for success? 23:55How Tony prepares his clients for their fitness journey.The consultation process is important.The body keeps the score. 25:56Balance is the answer to trauma.The body keeps the score.Importance of physical embodiment and emotional regulation.Three top tips for optimal fitness.Dr. D’s best practices for improving your health. 30:51Three practices to bring into one's life.Breathing exercises, grounding techniques and proper sleep.

They are working harder than ever before, they barely have time for their own wellbeing, their bosses don’t want their focus to be anywhere other than at work.And yet, parents still need to be parents, and somehow, amid all those pressures do the best for their children while navigating the challenges of social media and the myth that somehow a ‘work life balance’ is possible.This was the topic of the British Business Group Dubai and Northern Emirates (BBG)’s recent ‘Business Briefing’ which played host to a live recording of a bonus episode of our ‘the mentl space’ podcast.Scott Armstrong, the host of the podcast, started the conversation by pointing to alarming statistics on working hours and burnout, "98% of respondents in the UAE are suffering from at least one symptom of burnout," he said. He also touched on the perils of social media and its impact on children's mental health, an increasingly relevant concern for parents juggling their professional and personal lives.Naomi Williams, Deputy Pastoral, Learning and Teaching at South View School Dubai, discussed the shifting focus in primary schools. She stated, "It's very much about children being able to self-regulate, being much more self-aware, and being able to manage their thoughts, their feelings, their emotions, and their behaviours." This shift is largely due to a transition from social to online interactions and the consequent reduction in social cues.As for strategies to tackle this, Williams highlighted the use of the concept of 'zones of regulation' being implemented at her school. This is a tool that helps children recognise their feelings and physical sensations before their behaviours come into play.Family therapist Joanne Jewell echoed the word 'anxiety' as a common concern heard from parents. She emphasised the need for both parents and teachers to understand and learn self-regulation, as children, despite being taught these skills, won't always have the capacity to consistently self-regulate.The discussion then moved to the role of leaders and organisations in creating a supportive environment for working parents. Rob Stewart, a business psychologist, said, "Organisations and leaders need to take it seriously." With the impending shift in demographics and the ensuing war for talent, organizations will need to do whatever they can to attract, keep, and retain talent. He further stated, "If a huge number of people are coming in, and they have children, that is a priority for them. We have to look after them." In terms of addressing mental health concerns, Kate Hill, Head of Middle School for Dubai College, spoke about the importance of collaboration between parents and schools. "We do have a lot of events for parents... and our counselling department have regular meetings with parents... So if there's something specific they want to talk about, we are constantly meeting with parents," she noted.The conversation highlighted that working parents and their children are facing unique challenges in this digital age. To navigate these challenges, a combined effort is required from schools, organizations, and parents to promote self-regulation skills, foster open conversations, and create supportive environments for better mental health and work-life balance.

In the latest episode of ‘the mentl space’, Scott Armstrong delves into the intricacies of a condition affecting millions worldwide, irrespective of their age, social status, or geographic location: loneliness. His guest, Dr. Shefali Verma, a medical director specialising in integrative medicine, explores how pervasive loneliness can be and its profound implications on both physical and mental health. They discuss how loneliness, an often overlooked public health issue, was on par with tobacco and obesity, according to recent remarks by the U.S Surgeon General. Loneliness doesn't merely equate to being alone, but can permeate even in a crowd, especially in workplaces where employees feel isolated and unengaged.The explore Generation Z's stress levels. Gen Z, often called "snowflakes" or labeled "entitled" by older generations, is grappling with unprecedented stress and burnout rates.  How have rapid advancements in technology resulted in a discernible disconnect between traditional workplaces and the younger workforce's needs and capabilities? And, of course, the concept of work-life balance comes under scrutiny. Traditional work culture often celebrates long hours and overwork, subtly neglecting critical aspects like sufficient sleep and stress management.Employers need to re-evaluate their approach towards employee well-being, argues Dr Verma. It's high time organisations started asking about their employees' sleep, promoting a balanced life, and incorporating strategies that boost mental health. Workplaces must adapt and evolve. A cultural shift is required, placing employee well-being and mental health at the forefront. In an age where loneliness is escalating into a silent epidemic, we must prioritize and address it on par with other public health crises. Otherwise, the cost, both human and financial, will be too high to bear.

Is your team toxic, and does it really have to be?In this episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast, Andy Fieldhouse, founder of The Team Space, a team coach and author, joins us to discuss the importance of effective teamwork and how to improve team dynamics. The best-selling author of ‘Getting Teamwork Right’ draws on his 15 years of experience in team development and coaching to provide insights on how to optimise team performance. One key factor we discuss is the importance of choice, where team members voluntarily choose to do their best work and contribute to the team's success. This requires creating an environment where team members feel a sense of purpose and meaning in their work beyond just financial incentives.We also drill into the importance of psychological safety in teams – building a climate of trust and openness where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts and ideas without fear of negative consequences. Creating such a climate can be challenging, especially in multicultural teams where different cultural dynamics and norms can make it difficult for some individuals to feel psychologically safe. However, Fieldhouse tells the podcast why psychological safety is a fundamental human need and how it can be developed over time through conscious effort and team agreements.We discuss effective teamwork and the importance of focusing on relationships between team members. He compares relationships to a bank account of positivity and negativity, where positive interactions and trust build up a reserve that can be drawn on in challenging times. And what is the importance of purpose and meaning?  Can it provide motivation beyond financial incentives and inspire individuals to do their best work?Dial in and learn more about:• The importance of choice in driving engagement and contribution from team members• Creating a sense of purpose and meaning beyond financial incentives• The challenge of creating psychological safety in multicultural teams• The role of relationships and building a reserve of positivity in effective teamwork• The importance of purpose and meaning in driving motivation and inspiration• Examples of successful teamwork and the impact of a coaching-based approach• The importance of communication in the workplace• The impact of poor communication on a company's success• Common communication issues in the workplace, such as unclear messaging and lack of feedback• Strategies for improving communication, such as active listening and regular check-ins• The role of technology in workplace communication, including its benefits and potential drawbacks• The importance of cultural awareness in communication• The benefits of effective workplace communication, such as increased productivity and job satisfaction.

"Leaders have a responsibility for the wellbeing of their employees from day one."Does your organisation sound like this? Because it should. On the latest episode of 'the mentl space' we step back a little in time to a vital conversation captured at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East in Dubai. We sit down with Suzanne Gandy, Director of Human Resources at Bayut | dubizzle to dive into McKinsey research on employee wellbeing (or not) which top-level found that two-thirds of workers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar are struggling with their mental health.And, in a conversation which is a must for C-suites, we explore the leadership responsibility, the return on investment in safeguarding mental health, and the lessons her time in the UK Army taught. 

Can you lead with kindness? Is there an ROI to compassion? Well one world leader certainly believes so."You can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve. You can be a mother, or not, an ex-Mormon, or not, a nerd, a crier, a hugger – you can be all of these things, and not only can you be here – you can lead."These were the powerful words of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her farewell address to the parliament in April. We put the same questions about kindness to entrepreneur Shadi Moazami, founder and director of MAIA communications agency in the UAE. Once criticised for being 'too mothering' in her corporate role, she discusses balancing the pressures of the business world having founded her own company with the wellbeing needs of her team, and herself. And, she explores on 'the mentl space' podcast, the true ROI of kindness. 

We live in a world that glorifies 'hustle culture' for entrepreneurs, but does it work?Those brave enough to start their own businesses are expected to work nights and weekends, sacrifice family time and even ignore their own health, wellbeing and mental health, as they chase their dreams.And yet, with all that some 90 percent of all startups fail. Is there an alternative approach that embraces hard work, but also puts the health of the entrepreneur at the heart of the new business?What impact would that have on the success ratio? This is just one of the questions longstanding Dubai businessman Phil Bedford - aka The Rebel Networker - tackles in the latest episode of 'the mentl space'.(special thanks to Tales and Heads agency for hosting the conversation)

Inclusivity is one of the foundational cornerstones of a healthy culture that promotes employee mental health - but persuading c-suites that it’s a must rather than a nice-to-have, sometimes feels like a long road.Thankfully, mentl is delighted to announce that it has a new friend on our journey, as General Motors officially becomes our latest partner, and we begin a series of conversations that, together, we hope will amplify our shared vision for work places where all can thrive.And so, we welcomed Monica Hernandez, Regional Director of Human Resources at General Motors Africa & Middle East, to ‘the mentl space’ podcast.In this compelling conversation we discuss leadership, creating inclusive cultures, how companies can 'walk the talk' and the rewards on offer for companies which embrace a new way.Plus, we dive into the GM's mission to become the most inclusive company in the world.

It's March 20, International Happiness Day, but what makes us happy? In this bonus episode we caught up with a few notable people in the UAE to find out what makes them happy. Our bonus guests are:Kris Fade, star of Virgin Radio’s The Kris Fade Show and Netflix’s Dubai Bling, and founder of Fade Fit.Jessica Smith, Paralympian, Medal of the Order of Australia awardee, and founder of TOUCH Dubai.Dr. Louise Lambert, Associate Professor with the Canadian University Dubai and Head of Happiness Policy, Programming, and Research with HappinessMatters.org.Dr Sara Al Dallal, President of Emirates Health Economics Society at Emirates Medical Association.Mimi Nicklin, bestselling author of Softening The Edge - A Leadership book on Empathetic Influence & Creativity, and Creative CEO of Freedm.Happy International Happiness Day from the mentl space.

"If you are trying to do things the old-fashioned way, you won't make it."That's the message to leaders from one CEO who has been at the top of his industry for decades. The Chief Executive Officer of Fine Hygienic Holding, James Lafferty has often been described as one of the most unique and diversified CEO’s in the world today. He is not only a successful CEO, he is an Olympic Coach, an award-winning journalist, a college professor, a competitive athlete, a philanthropist, husband and father of six. James started from  humble roots as a youth track and field coach. Three decades on his successful career includes building businesses and organizations across five continents for some of the world’s leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, including CEO roles within Procter and Gamble and Coca-Cola.He sits down with 'the mentl space' to explore what leadership means today, how 'my way or the highway' no longer works. And, in this powerful interview, he opens up about his personal experiences with suicide, it's lifelong impact, and calls for more awareness. A must-listen for any CEO or manager who aspires to human leadership.