We are thrilled to share a powerful testimonial from Swapnaja Rasam, our Associate Director, featured in IAM Magazine. In her candid piece, Swapnaja bravely discusses her journey through grief and mental health, shedding light on resilience and strength.
A heartfelt thanks to IAM Magazine for this incredible opportunity to contribute to such an important topic.
A Journey of Mental Wellness and Resilience
By Swapnaja Rasam, Associate Director – International & Corporate Business Development, Tippet Richardson
After almost two decades in the moving industry, I’ve had the privilege of assisting countless individuals and families with their relocations around the world. Today, I’m excited to share my personal experience and insights that enabled me to achieve my wellness goals both in professional performance and personal well-being.
My journey began in India, where I spent my formative years. Then I moved to Dubai, an exciting but challenging transition that introduced me to a new culture. The challenges were numerous: adapting to a different pace of life, understanding the local traditions, and dealing with the intense heat. However, I managed to maintain my mental wellness by integrating several key practices into my daily routine.
Embracing the New Culture
I took the time to learn about the Emirati culture and people, which helped me integrate more smoothly. I attended Emirati cultural orientation programs and found that engaging with local traditions and festivals not only enriched my experience but also enhanced my cultural adjustment.
Four years later, another major change took me from Dubai to Canada. This transition came with its own set of challenges, from adjusting to the significantly colder climate to navigating a different work culture. However, my earlier experiences had equipped me with resilience and adaptability.
Staying Connected with My Roots
Despite the time differences, I made it a point to stay connected with my family and friends back in India and Dubai. Regular video calls helped maintain my sense of belonging and provided emotional support, which is critical when you move to another country.
Moving with Children was not Easy
Honestly, the toughest part for me was moving twice with my kids. They were as young as one and three years old when we moved to Canada. The biggest separation anxiety hit when I had to enroll my one-year-old in full-time daycare because I had to start working. It was difficult for both of us, but I was mentally prepared, having anticipated this challenge. Additionally, my kids had to adapt to different school cultures when we moved from Dubai to Canada.
Preparing your mind is crucial to overcoming challenges and maintaining mental stability. During this phase, meditation was a lifesaver for me. I also practiced deep breathing exercises, maintained a regular exercise routine, and made sure to connect with other parents in similar situations. These methods helped me stay grounded and supported through the transitions.
Building a Support Network
I am a social butterfly, and hence I quickly built a network of friends and colleagues who provided a sense of community. Again, this support system was crucial in helping me settle in and manage the stress of change.
Prioritizing Physical Health
To combat the severe Canadian winters, I focused on staying physically active. Regular exercise not only kept me healthy but also boosted my mood and energy levels.
What impressed me about Canada is how well-equipped it is for winters, allowing people to maintain their active lifestyles. They offer indoor jogging tracks, indoor soccer turfs, and convention centers with multiple sports facilities, all temperature controlled. This way, you’ll never have an excuse to skip your active routine during the winter.
It’s imperative to align with a company that not only acknowledges but deeply values the importance of mental wellness. I feel fortunate to be part of Tippet Richardson, where we recognize that moving ranks among life’s most stressful experiences. Consequently, we are dedicated to fostering mental health and well-being among both our team members and clients.
To help our employees, we have instituted a mentor program to create a supportive environment. In this program, we regularly conduct sessions with our teams where mentors discuss topics such as mindfulness, resilience, time, and stress management. These sessions are designed to equip our employees with practical tools to enhance their mental wellness as
well as personal development.
As leaders, we demonstrate the importance of mental wellness by practicing what we preach. By openly discussing our own mental health journeys and prioritizing self-care, we set a positive example for our teams.
In conclusion, my personal experiences with international moves have taught me the value of mental wellness practices in navigating life’s challenges. At Tippet Richardson, we are dedicated to supporting the mental health of our employees and clients, ensuring that everyone can thrive both professionally and personally.
I hope my story and insights inspire you to prioritize mental wellness in your own lives and workplaces. Together, we can create a culture of support and resilience in our industry.
Recent Comments