In today’s world, prioritizing mental well-being is more important than ever. So we asked our team members to share their personal strategies for managing stress, overcoming challenges, and taking care of their mental health.
Movement
Expected? Yes.
The importance of physical movement is a sentiment that echoes loudly in any conversation surrounding mental health — and our team is no exception.
“Lifting weights really helps me to center myself and process my emotions,” shares Kyle Dougherty, QA Engineer. “I go to the gym every day — I don’t necessarily go hard every day, but having that routine keeps me centered.”
But as we’ve mentioned before (and love to reemphasize), our bodies and minds do not discriminate movement. Our CEO, Keith Brophy, cites, “I love to run, swim, do yoga …any movement. But I have to confess that flinging my dog’s squeaky toy through the air and then racing him to it is one of my favorites!”
We like that it’s beneficial for both man and his four-legged companion(s).
Intentional pauses
Another one that may be as commonly recommended as physical movement though perhaps less practiced. Research shows that mindfulness is directly related to stress levels and our ability to manage negative thoughts and emotions. Lauren Vandenberg, Interim Data Analyst, highlights the importance of pausing to tune into your mental state throughout the day. “It’s important for me to take five minutes periodically throughout the day to recognize how I am feeling. This prevents me from overthinking at night because I was able to process my feelings as they surfaced during the day.”
Visualization
Sr. Director of Business Growth, Corey Hart uses visualization or “mental imagery,” a technique in which the imagination creates images to achieve a desired feeling or outcome, like relaxation or stress reduction. Call it a mental mood board.
“Positive visualization works really well for me. I imagine what it feels like when I’ve overcome my anxiety or stress about an issue or obstacle. I include a reward in the visualization, like being on a bike ride or sitting on a sunny patio reading my new book.”
Small wins
Neurotypical or neurodivergent, the feeling of overwhelm is a common thread that connects all human beings—admittedly, some more than others—and it can manifest as physical, mental, and/or emotional symptoms. When facing challenges, Kyle Dougherty recommends “just doing something to break the malaise.” He says, “If I’m struggling, I attempt to get just one thing done, even if it’s small, because it can snowball.”
This approach of starting with manageable, bite-sized tasks can create momentum toward larger accomplishments. Sometimes, even adding already-completed tasks to a seemingly growing to-do list and crossing them off can be encouraging.
Channeling creativity
Whether in song, in brush strokes, or any form in between, some of the most notable creations historically are products of mental or emotional struggles. For Keith Brophy, it’s more of a 5-7-5 thing: “I take some time to write a haiku. I don’t try to make it a great work of art, but I do attempt to infuse some sense of positive energy into it.”
Embracing connections
This one needs no lead-in.
Brianne Moore, Lead Medical Assistant at ADHD Online, emphasizes the value of relationships. “I have a few close friends and family that I reach out to on occasion to share feelings, seek advice, and enjoy each other’s company. Whether it’s a phone call, text, or getting together for dinner, opening up with them can help regain perspective and offer comfort during challenging times.”
She also recognizes workplace connections:
“I reach out to colleagues to discuss work-related challenges, seek guidance, or collaborate on solutions, and we share experiences and strategies to navigate professional hurdles. Knowing that you are not alone in navigating work stressors and having someone to brainstorm with can lighten the load and increase resilience and adaptability.”
These insights from our team members remind us that mental health strategies are deeply personal. What works for one person may not resonate with another — the key is finding approaches that work for you and incorporating them into your routine.
Whether it’s physical activity, creative expression, mindfulness practices, or leaning on your support network, taking consistent steps toward mental well-being makes a difference.
