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Lana Kobeici,ÌýSenior Administrative Coordinator in Microbiology and Immunology in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill.

Lana has been working at McGill for 3 years. SheÌýis a member of the My Healthy Workplace working group and started aÌýmeditation group for colleagues every week at lunch time. Read more to discover Lana's tips and strategies to protect and promote her mental health, what she does to turnaround a day when she is feeling rundown.

1. What do you do in your life to protect, promote and celebrate your mental health?

Having an active lifestyle is key for me. When I move my body, my mind and spirit feel good! My favourite ways of moving are: yoga, dancing, hiking, spending time in nature (even a short 30 minute lunch time walk at Mount Royal does wonders!), weights workout (thank-you McGill Staff Fitness program!) and biking (I love Bixis!).ÌýI like to have a morning ritual to start my day right:

• I start with a warm cup of water with lemon and honey.
• Depending on time, I like to unroll my mat for a few yoga poses and stretches.
• If it’s a particularly grey or dark morning, I like to put on music for an extra dose of joy and to brighten the day.
• 30 minutes of fun time per day: doing something I love every day puts me in a good mood, especially in the winter. I like to channel my creativity by painting, making bracelets, folding origami
• Being grateful and keeping a gratitude journal
• Meditation helps me connect with myself. Either alone or part of a group. I started a meditation group at lunch time on Wednesdays at 12:30 at the Duff building. Everyone is invited, experienced or not!
• Being surrounded by positive, uplifting and nourishing people. I am grateful to have a wonderful family, amazing close friends and the best colleagues I could have asked for!

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2. What do you do in your life to actively take care of your mental health?

I listen closely to my body, giving it what it needs. I observe my thoughts: having a positive mindset helps me get through more difficult times as well as reaching out to someone who knows me well for help.

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3. At times when you felt stressed at work, run down, tired what you do to turn it around?

When I realize that I am stressed or run down, I ‘’go back to the basics’’ which means taking good care of my health first:

• Clean eating (hello fresh fruits, vegetables and smoothies!)
• Aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep
• Spending time in nature.
• Meditate to feel grounded (for as little as 5 minutes!)
• By taking care of the basics, I am able to recharge my body, calm my mind, and be ready for my next challenge.
• I also organize my time better to be more efficient on the ways I complete projects.

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