Written by Roje Khalique, Founder of rkTherapy
Roje Khalique is a visionary clinical consultant with 20 years in mental health. She is the founder of rkTherapy, a London based bespoke psychology consultancy, and a specialist in culturally-attuned Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mental health on a global scale exacerbating feelings of existential crisis and uncertainty. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2021) explored the rise in existential distress during the pandemic. The research revealed that the pandemic intensified experiences of uncertainty and anxiety as individuals faced extreme disruptions to their daily routine, leading to existential questions about purpose and mortality. The study found that these heightened existential concerns were strongly linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and overall mental distress.
The research suggests that spiritual awareness provides a sense of purpose and connectedness, which can act as a buffer against mental health challenges. Moreover, the study emphasises the role of spiritual well-being in enhancing resilience and overall life satisfaction, indicating that spiritual health should be considered a crucial component of comprehensive mental health care.
What is spiritual health, and why does it matter?
Spiritual health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, influencing how we perceive and interact with the world around us. You might wonder why spiritual health matters in the corporate world. It is crucial to consider the purpose and value you bring to your workplace, as well as your ability to appreciate the contributions of those you work with. Many people use coping mechanisms to address work-related stress and anxiety, and find calmness by using meditation apps, while these methods have their benefits, the stress-related thoughts and anxiety-related behaviours often return as soon as the coping mechanism is no longer in use. Hence, providing temporary relief but minimal long-term gain.
To understand and achieve lasting and meaningful change, here we aim to dive deeper into the 'spiritual realm', and focus on our purpose, belief systems, and our ability to form and maintain meaningful connections with others, especially in the workplace where most of us spend most of our time!
Spirituality involves considering our existence and purpose beyond the 3D world—what else do you think meditation, mindfulness, and practices like yoga aim to cultivate if not calmness from the inside out?
The corporate burnout epidemic
In the high-stakes worlds of law, finance, and other demanding professions, stress, anxiety, and burnout are prevalent. Factors such as long hours, heavy workloads, organisational changes, tight deadlines, shifting responsibilities, job insecurity, lack of autonomy, and monotonous work significantly contribute to these feelings.
Many of my clients, overwhelmed by these pressures, struggle with thoughts like, "Am I doing enough?", "Is this stress/pressure ever going to end?”, "Am I even cut out for this job?" etc. As a clinical consultant specialising in mental health conditions, such as anxiety, I see the profound impact these work-related stressors have on both physical and psychological health.
My goal is to help professionals navigate their challenges and cultivate peace, balance, and fulfilment so they can turn off their ‘fight-flight-freeze’ reactions,' foster healthier work relations, and achieve their fullest career potential. In corporate environments where stress and burnout are rampant, extremely high standards are the norm, and perfectionism is expected, how can you reclaim your sense of self and find tranquillity and satisfaction amidst the chaos?
5 ways to develop your spiritual health
1. Practice intentionality
Intentionality involves having clear goals and objectives, especially in interactions with others. Transparent communication builds trust and prevents misunderstandings. Before engaging in any relationship, project, or discussion, reflect on your objectives and share them openly with the involved parties even if it is difficult. No matter how anxious you might be and fear upsetting others with your intentions it will help you to gain their trust and respect in the long run. Of course, diplomacy and tactfulness are essential communication skills here too, and ensure respect and compassion during your delivery!
People appreciate knowing your intentions, as it not only helps them make informed and reach consensual decisions, but it allows you to manage their expectations. The absence of this transparency with hidden agendas can lead to feelings of betrayal and mistrust, damaging both personal and professional relationships. Being upfront about your intentions fosters healthy connections and supports your spiritual harmony.
In the corporate world, clear communication is vital, especially if you are in a leadership role. Your staff needs to believe in your vision, or at least you need to inspire some form of connection to your vision to motivate your team. Apply this principle by being intentional in all your interactions. Before meetings or important conversations, take a moment to reflect on your objectives and your expectations of others. This transparency not only builds trust but also aligns your actions with your inner values, fostering a sense of authenticity and purpose in your work.
2. Embody purity and sincerity in your motives
Spiritual health thrives on the purity of intention followed by actions. Acting with purity and sincerity means considering the impact of your actions on others. If an action would cause you pain, frustration, or anger, avoid doing it to someone else. Empathy is key. Ask yourself, "How would I feel if I were on the receiving end of this action?" This simple practice guides you towards a more compassionate and considerate behaviour with co-workers, especially crucial when working with junior staff, and trainees who may depend on your mentorship, guidance, and expertise.
When your intentions are pure and your actions sincere even if situations do not turn out as planned, people will remember your good intentions and respectful behaviour. People will often forget what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel (or how you made them feel most of the time). This approach fosters positive energy and strengthens your spiritual core.
In high-pressure environments, it is easy to lose sight of our core values. Regularly check in with yourself and your team: Are your actions aligned with your true intentions? How do you inspire actions in others and learn about their intentions? This practice of empathy and sincerity can guide you toward more fulfilling and ethically sound choices, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction and staff retention.
3. Balance emotional sharing with energy awareness
Sharing emotional pain and seeking support from trusted friends, co-workers, and family is therapeutic for spiritual health. If you are dealing with intense or distressing emotions related to past trauma, it is essential to seek professional help (admin@rktherapy.co.uk). For manageable emotional challenges, or everyday difficulties talking to someone can deepen connections and bonds, and of course allows for a soundboard for alternative perspectives, and action-taking.
However, recognise your emotional patterns and be mindful of your energy. If you find yourself consistently speaking negatively about yourself, others, or situations at work, it might indicate a need to speak to a professional. Psychological Therapy can help you reflect on your role in recurring negative scenarios and gain awareness and insight into your contributions, leading to a healthier perspective.
Practising self-reflection to understand your role in situations marks emotional intelligence and spiritual growth. It is a stress-reliever to talk things through with a trusted friend or co-worker but remember if it is a trauma-related experience or a memory that continues to cause you extreme emotional distress then your friend, family, or co-worker is not your therapist, so speak to a trained professional.
In professional and leadership roles, your co-workers do not need to know about all your struggles, but they do need to see that you are a human being who can use thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to motivate and connect with others. Did you know humans do not connect on a deep level via logic alone; they connect through emotions? We are inherently emotional beings, and this holds true even in professional settings. Our ability to connect with colleagues often hinges on how we make each other feel. Effective workplace relationships are built not just on competence, but on emotional intelligence and empathy.
4. Embrace reflective thinking
Developing the ability to self-reflect is a powerful spiritual practice. It allows you to learn from experiences and grow rather than feeling stuck in repetitive patterns. By thinking about what you could do differently in challenging situations, you foster a growth mindset. Reflection, unlike rumination, empowers you to think about how you can improve and adapt. Instead of ruminating on negative events, which can lead to depression, reflect on the lessons learned and how you can improve. If you suspect you might be suffering from clinical depression or a staff member might be, then schedule a psychological assessment here.
After challenging projects or difficult interactions, take time to consider what you have learned and how you can improve. This growth mindset not only enhances your professional skills but also contributes to a sense of progress and purpose, countering feelings of stagnation that often accompany burnout. At work let your team know that you are aware of the impact of the challenges on all parties involved, and focus on collaborative solution-finding, aiming for win-win outcomes.
What emotions do you feel and evoke when around your team members? Fear? Anxiety? Stress? It is important to recognise that anyone who feels stressed or anxious is likely to react via a 'flight-fight-freeze' reaction. This self-awareness is key to breaking the cycle of burnout and finding more balance in your life and those you live and work with.
5. Cultivate a light heart
Recognise the weight of negative emotions on your mind, heart, and body. Emotions like 'resentment' and 'frustration’ are connected to anger and can be burdensome and detrimental to your well-being. While it's normal to experience such feelings, understanding their impact can motivate you to process and release them healthily. Acknowledging that resentment acts as a slow poison in relationships, while rage, though explosive, is short-lived. Learning to identify these emotions and recognising their influence on your actions is crucial. Practising identifying and accepting your emotions without judgment enables you to let go of these emotions, freeing yourself from their control. As you develop this skill, you will find that negative emotions are normal and no longer dominate you, leading to a lighter, more spiritually aligned state of being.
Corporate environments can feel weighty with responsibilities and expectations. Recognise the impact of this on your spirit and consciously work to lighten your emotional load. Practice mindfulness or meditation to help process and release negative emotions, especially if these negative emotions are towards co-workers and managers. As you develop this skill, you will find yourself better able to navigate workplace stresses with a sense of calm and perspective. You will also likely manage your emotions better and over time instead of 'reacting' you will be more likely to 'respond' logically to work-related stressors.
Conclusion
For professionals feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their careers, nurturing spiritual health can be a transformative path to finding balance, peace, and fulfilment. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a sense of calm and contentment that endures even in the face of professional challenges and co-worker conflicts. Remember, the goal is not to escape from your work stress but to develop inner resources that allow you to thrive within it.
As you nurture your spiritual health, you may find that not only does your sense of well-being improve, but your professional performance and satisfaction may also enhance. If you are struggling with burnout, stress, or finding meaning in your high-pressure career, also know that you're not alone. Many professionals are seeking the same balance and fulfilment you are.
Is it time to nurture your spiritual health and transform your professional?
For more information on spiritual health and therapy that incorporates a higher sense of self and purpose, feel free to get in touch with me on Linkedin or visit my website. You can also email me here.
Read more from Roje Khalique
Roje Khalique, Founder of rkTherapy
Roje is a clinical practitioner for a wide range of anxiety disorders and depression. She is dedicated to making quality psychological support accessible to high-achieving professionals in the legal and finance industries in London's high-stakes corporate world. During COVID-19 she recognised a global and increasing need for evidence based support and developed a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) online, virtual platform and a mobile app. Designed to fit the demanding schedules of professionals not only in London but across Europe, US, Middle East and Asia.
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