The Wellbeing 5 Project
Heather LeGuilloux
Therapist & Mental Health Blogger
The Mental Wellbeing 5
5 Simple Questions to help with mental wellbeing with answers from Experts, Thought Leaders, Campaigners & Advocates
Heather LeGuillioux
Heather is a therapist, mental health blogger and advocate for health and wellbeing. She holds a masters of counselling from the University of Queensland, her blog (www.heatherleguilloux.ca) helps readers to understand themselves more, identify their concerns and provide practical tips to living a happier and more fulfilled life. Her goal is to increase knowledge and understanding of mental health issues.
Heather’s core values are authenticity, compassion, empathy, self-awareness, experience & enjoyment. Find out more about Heather here
The Mental Wellbeing 5 with Heather LeGuilloux
1. What is your favourite quote, anecdote, proverb or experience that helps with mental wellbeing?
Heather: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ~ C.S. Lewis
I feel like this quote shares the power that the concept of hope permits in that change is always possible and, even when life or a situation feels dire or uncertain, there is always the possibility of circumstances changing for the better, if you take the steps to get there.
2. What is your top piece of advice for mental wellbeing?
Heather: Ensure that you consider your mental wellbeing as important as your physical wellbeing. The interconnection between physical and mental health is undeniable and backed up by research, yet many people still prioritize their physical health over their mental or emotional health. Ironically, mental unwellness can have a profound impact on our physical health. Stress can cause headaches, digestion issues, ulcers or even worse ailments. By making sure that we are taking a holistic approach to our health and wellbeing, we can live healthier, and happier lives.
3. What is the one change in the world that you would like to see? (in your area of wellbeing or in the world in general or both)
Heather: I would like to see an increase in the use of active listening skills around the world. I feel that it can be common for people to carefully craft a response rather than taking the time to really listen to another person’s point of view. Along with listening, I feel that asking questions, rather than only sharing statements, would help to increase the understanding of others opinions and reduce the chance of division between people. Active listening and asking questions are core skills of counselling, and I see how useful these skills could be to creating positive and meaningful change around the world.
4. Which resources (books / websites / videos etc) for wellbeing would you recommend?
Heather: I created a website to promote the availability of mental wellbeing so I would absolutely suggest a visit to my blog to read articles on a range of mental health topics from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss and so much more www.heatherleguilloux.ca/blog – I would also suggest any book by Brene Brown as a fantastic place to start reading about mental wellbeing.
5. What’s the one thing that always makes you smile?
Heather: My pets! I have two adorable and very spoiled cats and I consider them a part of my family. I fully believe that the presence of animals can bring so much fun and joy into your life in such simple ways. Fun and laughter are basic human needs, yet as adults with so many responsibilities and never enough time in the day, it can be easy to go a day without even smiling. Therapy animals have also been instrumental in aiding in the treatment of many mental health conditions and can also create a sense of comfort for individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse.
Further Exploration - Heather LeGuilloux
Website: Heather LeGuilloux
Heather's website containing her blog with articles to help knowledge and understanding of mental health, information about her including her core values, a wellbeing shop and how to get in touch
Article: Renewing the Mind-Body Connection At Any Age
Heather's article on Plucky (a senior lifestyle magazine) detailing how the mind and body connection works and tips for keeping the connection at every age
Article: Depression versus Sadness: Understanding the Difference
Article from Heather's mental health series discussing the difference between depression and sadness, the facts and further resources to help
Article: The Importance of Unplugging and Why You Need To Try It
Heather's article discussing the need to unplug in this digital age, the importance of just being and ways to unplug
Article: Achieving mindful awareness with Aromatherapy
Heather's article on The Pursuit of Mindfulness looking at how to achieve mindful awareness with aromatherapy, why it is useful and the benefits it can bring
Article: How a Therapist Gains Motivation to Get Stuff Done
An article from Heather on Counsellor's Cafe discussing how to motivate yourself as a therapist in 4 keys areas; Checking in, Having a Plan, Taking Breaks & Rewarding Yourself
Social Media - Follow Heather Below
More Mental Wellbeing 5 Interviews Below
More Mental Wellbeing 5 Interviews
With answers from experts, thought leaders, advocates and campaigners to help with mental wellbeing