How to Better Your Mental Health with a Single Word
Jason Sudekis, Ted Lasso
Credit: Apple TV
Believe.
A simple word, but one with great power behind it.
Above the door to his office, a lovable soccer coach hangs a large yellow sign with the word “Believe” to remind his players the importance of maintaining faith in themselves every time they step on the field.
Played by the witty and talented Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso has become one of my favorite characters (and shows) of the past few years. He has such a charming quality to everything he does that you can’t help but root for him. He goes out of his way to make everyone feel important and cared for.
But Ted isn’t perfect and neither is his life.
His marriage is in shambles. He is a literal ocean away from his son. His soccer team is often the butt of cheap jokes.
Somehow though, Ted finds the joy wherever he can and he shares that with everyone he meets.
Looking Happy Doesn’t Mean You Are Happy
Without discussing any major spoilers, Season 2 of Ted Lasso shifts suddenly when Ted starts having panic attacks. It’s heart-wrenching to see a character like Ted struggle so. It humanizes him. It helps the audience relate to his life.
Over the course of the season, the show dives deep into the topic of Mental Health. Ted provides the mirror for the audience to ask questions of themselves and their own struggles.
The viewing experience reminded me that just because someone appears to be happy and healthy and ok, it doesn’t make it so.
It was a reminder to put myself into the shoes of others. It was a reminder of the importance of Mental Health.
Ted may be a fictional character, but he represents millions of people who struggle with panic attacks, depression, burnout, and maintaining their mental health every year.
3 Ways to Foster Better Mental Health
Mental Health is a state of well-being and I find there are three immediate ways to address it head on.
Take Inventory of Your Life — You don’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you are right now. Often the path forward means changing something that isn’t working for us now. Identifying what’s working and what isn’t is the first step.
Find Support — There are people in your life who love you. Talk to those who are trained to listen. Unload the weight and burden of your thoughts. Just like going to the Doctor to fix a broken arm or to get your annual physical, your mind needs similar attention and maintenance.
Believe — As Coach Lasso says, “Believe.” Believing in yourself is more than just an aimless faith. It’s a path to fulfillment through self-development. Our faults make us human, but our ability to change also makes us so.
Some days are easier than others. You’re not alone. Each of us struggles with mental health in one way or another.
Believe that you have the power to address your own mental health.
I believe you do too.
Until next week, here are links to what I’ve been working on and treasures I’ve found out in the creative wilderness.
Enjoy!
Recent Finds
Ness Labs — The Science of Self-Love (Blog Post) | It’s an important lesson in life to prioritize ourselves. The word “Selfish” has a negative connotation in most contexts, but it’s not always a bad thing. Like the advice to put your own oxygen mask on first in the face of an emergency, self-care is a necessity for a well-balanced life. The suggestions for how to practice self-care are some of the best I’ve seen in recent memory.
Michael Rosenbaum — Interview with Reacher’s Alan Ritchson (Video Podcast) | I remember first seeing Alan Ritchson play Aquaman on one of my favorite shows of all time, Smallville. Since then, he’s built quite a career for himself. But this podcast interview he did with Michael Rosenbaum hit different for me. Ritchson goes into great detail about his struggle with bipolar disorder and the early-mid life crisis that changed his perspective on everything he’s done since. Well worth the listen.
Matt D’Avella — 4 Rules to Organize My Devices Like a Minimalist (IG Reel) | A brief and effective rundown for how to improve our relationship with the clutter and attachment of our phones, computers, and tablets. Even if you’re not striving to be a Minimalist, the productivity hacks in this video may very well give you back control over your digital world.
Quote of the Week
“If you did the work you’re avoiding, you’d have the results you want.”
— Mel Robbins
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
