48 - Stretching Joy and Building Resilience with Dr. Shahana Alibhai

Be the Anchor – Strategies and Support for Small Business Owners

In this inspiring episode, Kari Lotzien sits down with Dr. Shahana Alibhai, author, TEDx speaker, family physician, and mental health advocate. Together, they dive into the challenges of balancing high-performance careers and personal well-being, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and the simple yet profound practice of joy stretching. Dr. Shahana shares insights from her groundbreaking work with adolescents and her new book, "Feel Better," which is already making waves. This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders, parents, and individuals striving for better mental health and connection.

Key Points Discussed:

1. The Dual Role of a Mental Health Advocate:
   • Dr. Shahana opens up about her journey from being a mental health professional to becoming a patient herself, battling pure OCD and postpartum struggles.
2. Breaking the Stigma:
   • Insightful discussion on society's varying levels of tolerance for mental health conditions and the importance of vulnerability in leadership and personal life.
3. The Invisible Chalkboard:
   • A metaphor for understanding the visible and invisible challenges people carry, and how leaders can create safe spaces in the workplace.
4. Parenting and Emotional Intelligence:
   • Dr. Shahana shares practical strategies for parents to teach emotional regulation, including the power of “replaying” moments with children for better outcomes.
5. Joy Stretching:
   • A transformative concept for finding and savoring moments of joy, especially during busy or challenging times.
6. Mental Health in the Workplace:
   • Addressing the leader's role in setting the tone for emotional health while creating opportunities for connection and understanding among team members.

Quotable Moments:

• “We do not suffer from a lack of joy, simply a lack of recognizing it.” – Dr. Shahana Alibhai
• “Your emotions are not excuses; they are explanations for why you act and react in certain ways.”

Resources and Links:

• Dr. Shahana Alibhai's Book: Feel Better (available on Amazon and Audible)
• Connect with Dr. Shahana
• Instagram - @thedrshahana
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahana-alibhai-feelbetter/
• Website: website

Episode Challenge:

Take a moment to practice joy stretching this holiday season. Slow down, engage your senses, and savor the small moments of connection and happiness.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to "Be The Anchor" on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with someone who needs a little more joy and connection in their life.