Stress, professional and personal responsibilities, the constant flow of emails and meetings – all of this forms a regular part of our daily lives. We often strive to perform at our best, yet forget the most important thing – our own mental wellbeing. And it is precisely this that fundamentally shapes how we cope with challenges, how we work with colleagues, and how we feel when we return home.
That is why, at the end of September, the Faculty of Medicine’s Dean’s Office hosted the third annual Mental Wellbeing Day, an event focused on psychological support and staff care. This year’s gathering took place in the inspiring setting of the Open Garden and was led by Associate Professor Alena Slezáčková from the Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics. She offered participants a wealth of practical tips on how to maintain balance, energy and perspective in the rush of everyday life.
We would therefore like to share with you a summary of the most inspiring moments and practical tips from the day, so that you too can take away ideas and small steps towards enhancing your own mental wellbeing.
The Morning Sets the Tone
The way we start our day often shapes the rest of it. Quality sleep and proper “sleep hygiene” have a direct impact on our energy, concentration and emotional stability. Associate Professor Slezáčková highlighted that evening relaxation and brief morning pauses are a simple yet powerful foundation for mental wellbeing. Just as we check the weather outside and prepare accordingly, we can ask ourselves: “What is the weather like inside? How am I feeling today?”
Energy is in Our Own Hands
The DrEaMS model (Drink, Eat, Move, Sleep) shows that the essential sources of vitality are within our control: regular hydration, a varied diet, physical activity and sufficient sleep. Even small daily habits – such as stretching briefly at one’s desk – can significantly contribute to overall well-being.
Optimism as a Skill
The way we see the world has a profound effect on how we feel. Optimists tend to praise themselves, forgive mistakes and trust their abilities. Pessimists, by contrast, often dwell on catastrophic scenarios. The good news is that optimism can be trained – for example, by reminding ourselves daily of what we have achieved and what positive things surround us.
Short Breaks, Big Impact
The event also offered practical suggestions for taking mental micro-breaks during the day. Just three to ten minutes can be enough – closing one’s eyes and picturing a pleasant place, going for a short walk, stretching, or writing down overwhelming thoughts. Such small acts help reduce stress and allow us to return to work with a clearer mind.
An Evening for Gratitude and Calm
Ending the day on a positive note is worthwhile. The “Three Good Things” exercise reminds us that even on demanding days, there are moments to be grateful for. Mindfulness, breathing exercises or simple muscle relaxation techniques can also support a restful close to the day.
Inspiration for Every Day
Let us keep in mind that not every day has to be entirely good – but every day can hold something good. We believe these shared insights and tips will inspire small changes that can make a big difference to your daily well-being.
We thank all those who participated in the event and wish that this inspiration may also be of value to you, the readers of these lines.
And a final question for reflection:
How are you today – and what nice thing will you do for yourself?
Assoc. Prof. PhDr. Alena Slezáčková, Ph.D.
Alena Slezáčková is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University in Brno. Her long-term research focuses on mental health and psychological wellbeing. She is the founder and head of the Centre of Positive Psychology in the Czech Republic and a certified trainer in resilience support. She serves on the board of the European Network for Positive Psychology (ENPP) and is a member of the expert council of the Mindfulness Research and Practice Network at Masaryk University. She collaborates on several national and international research projects and is the author of numerous academic publications in positive psychology and health psychology. She is also active as a lecturer and public speaker.
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