I read an article this week on the potential hazardous effects of ultra-processed food consumption and mental health. It was alarming, to say the least and, as a mental health advocate, it begged my attention.

https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2022/08/29/study-finds-link-between-ultra-processed-foods-and-mental-health

I know it may not be an obvious thing to teach and lead in the project management space and also be so outspoken about mental health. To me, it is essential as my professional journey has been so heavily based on my mental preparedness to be here. As a young professional, I did not factor in my own mental health and wellness. In fact, I did not take my own health into account at all and I made many grave choices that cost me.

One of my darkest moments was hanging my head over a toilet bowl in my workplace, ill from a migraine brought on by nothing other than the toxicity of the workplace I was in and my body’s own revulsion to being there. . .and yet I stood up, straightened myself and went back into my office to ‘keep at it’ as I thought that’s what a professional should do. WRONG! (If only I had known better!)

But a toxic work environment is only one of the many risk factors to an unhealthy work/life balance. Eating habits are also a big issue and work can greatly influence eating poorly.

Many project deadlines make the idea of cooking a healthy meal ridiculous. Easier to open a can or box or something processed to heat up and nosh on while burning the ‘midnight oil’.

The problem is, as science is beginning to uncover, there is a growing body of evidence that connects our processed food consumption with negative mental health symptoms of depression and anxiety. As if the pressures of work were not enough?

Remember, we are what we eat in life AND at work, so be careful what you fuel yourself with. The better the food we consume, the better the work we will produce!

-Amber (a.k.a. The Feisty PM)