InfoSearched
Published -
- July 19, 2018
- 6:35 pm
Prolonged psychological stress is the enemy of our mental health, and physical movement is our best weapon to respond.​
Leon Taylor is a former competitive diver who competed for TeamGB at three Olympic Games. Following retirement, he transitioned to the commentary booth where he works for the BBC. Leon has a passion for performance, wellness and movement spending much of his time now as a speaker, executive coach, and mentor to the next generation of sports stars. His enthusiasm and skill for mentoring have allowed him to work with a range of athletes across Olympic and Paralympic sports. Most recently playing the role of Athlete services lead at the pre-Games Camp in Brazil prior to TeamGB’s record-breaking 2nd place on the medal table. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Why is confiding in someone trustworthy important for one’s mental health?
In the world of contemporary living where hustle and bustle reign supreme, mental health has become a topic of prime significance. People are increasingly finding themselves at odds with their mental faculties and are failing to strike a balance between their work and personal life. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new level of stress to an already hectic lifestyle. This has resulted in a surge of interest in the management of mental health. In this regard, the TEDxClapham talk by Leon Taylor titled “How to manage your mental health” presents a comprehensive and insightful view on the subject.
Leon Taylor is an Olympic silver medalist diver-turned motivational speaker who is a living testament to the power of positive mental health. In his talk, he addresses the challenges that individuals face in their daily lives that can adversely affect their mental wellbeing. These challenges could come from various factors such as work, family, or personal relationships. Leon then proceeds to outline some fundamental strategies that can help one manage their mental health better.
The first point highlighted by Leon is identifying the cause of stress. He opines that being aware of the root cause can help an individual take preventive measures to manage stress. It can also prevent a stressor from turning into a chronic problem that snowballs into more significant issues. The importance of confiding in someone trustworthy is also stressed. Keeping thoughts and emotions bottled up is detrimental to one’s mental health. Talking about issues with someone can help one gain a different perspective and alleviate stress.
Exercising regularly is also mentioned by Leon as a potent way to manage mental health. Exercise releases endorphins that work as natural painkillers and can make one feel good. Not only that, but exercise also promotes better sleep, which is essential for a healthy body and mind. Additionally, sleep is also linked to better focus, better memory and can help one avoid obesity.
The power of a positive mindset is also emphasized by Leon. He believes that people should create a routine that fosters a healthy & optimistic outlook. He suggests incorporating healthy habits such as meditation, journaling, and practicing gratitude, and mindfulness into one’s daily routine. Such habits can help one gain a sense of control over their thoughts and emotions.
In conclusion, Leon Taylor’s TEDxClapham talk presents a comprehensive overview of strategies to better manage mental health. By being aware of the root cause of stress, confiding in someone trustworthy, exercising regularly, and promoting healthy habits, individuals can prevent mental health issues, develop resilience, and attain the mental wellbeing they need to thrive in a fast-paced world. Leon emphasizes that each person’s struggle and solutions will be different, but it is imperative to focus on oneself, identify challenges, and seek help when required. Let us, therefore, look for ways to manage our mental health to lead happier, healthier lives.
