Wondermind Co-Founder and CEO Mandy Teefey on Combatting Burnout and Prioritizing Self-Care

When was the last time you really set aside some time to practice self-care?

Today, July 24, is Self-Care Day, and we're committing to investing more time in ourselves and our mental health, not just today, but every day. With a recent study revealing that a majority of Americans are experiencing significant burnout, and 86% of Americans saying that practicing self-care helps them combat these challenges, most of us know we should take better care of ourselves and our minds, but that doesn't always mean that we do.

So what can we do to get into that mindset and learn to better nurture ourselves? We chatted with Mandy Teefey to find out. She co-founded the mental fitness ecosystem Wondermind along with her daughter, Selena Gomez, serving as CEO for the brand as it works to remove stigma around mental health. We discussed all things Wondermind, Mandy's own mental health journey and her biggest advice for fighting burnout and prioritizing self-care in the interview below.

Sweety High: Can you introduce us all to Wondermind?

Mandy Teefey: Wondermind is the first mental fitness ecosystem on a mission to create a lifestyle that destigmatizes and democratizes mental health. As the brainchild of our own struggles with mental health, we created Wondermind with the foundation that mental health resources should be accessible to everyone at all times, no matter what they're going through. Wondermind is not here to diagnose, but to simply help people where they are on their mental health journey, wherever that may be.

Our editorial content consists of diverse and relatable articles that make people realize that mental health is a part of everyone's life. One feature on our website is the Filter by Feelings instrument, where our audience can tell us how they're really feeling and articles surrounding those emotions will be populated. We also offer expert-backed tips and exclusive interviews. We have many more exciting tools coming up that will expand the Wondermind universe to support more audiences and communities.

 

SH: Can you talk a little bit about your own mental health journey? What have been the difficult areas for you, and what processes have been most helpful for helping you work through them in a healthy way?

MT: My mental health has been a constant ongoing growing adventure. In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. Despite working with numerous doctors and trying various medications, I never really felt grounded. It wasn't until later that I discovered I had been misdiagnosed; my real challenges were ADHD and trauma. This meant I spent a lot of time focusing on bipolar II and was on the wrong medication.

One of the most difficult aspects was navigating a misdiagnosis and the impact it had on my treatment. However, I've learned that while there may not be a cure for mental health struggles, and everyone's symptoms differ, there are amazing coping mechanisms that assist with balancing and utilizing your symptoms for the positive. Knowing that my efforts contribute to reducing this stigma gives me hope for future generations, including my daughters, who won't have to face the same challenges.

I borrow from Abraham Lincoln's "hot letter" practice, where he worked through his anger via a third-party narrative format (removing himself as the author), prior to addressing it in person (P.S. never sign the hot letter!). So for me, journaling has been incredibly valuable. It allows me to process my emotions and gain clarity on how I'm really feeling. Additionally, establishing and sticking to a routine has made a big difference. By waking up at 4 a.m. and having some quiet time for myself, I set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

(Image courtesy of Wondermind)

 

Also read about: 10 Inspiring Quotes About Mental Health for When You Need a Pick-Me-Up

 

SH: What exactly is burnout? What are the negative impacts of burnout, and how does it occur?

MT: Burnout is the result of unmanaged chronic stress. It happens over time (not just overnight) and is typically caused by being hyper-focused on meeting the needs of others or pushing yourself to the max. Burnout is extremely real and affects more people than we think. In fact, one of Wondermind's top articles last year was about people quitting their jobs in order to improve their mental health, with our audience also reporting record-high burnout.

 

SH: What are some of the most effective ways to heal from burnout? Do you have any personal tried-and-true methods you turn to when you're feeling burnt out?

MT: One of the most effective ways to heal from burnout is to take a dedicated mental health day where you can truly disconnect and recharge. This means setting boundaries so that no one contacts you, allowing you to fully unplug. Personally, one of my favorite ways to do this is by going "glamping." Being in nature and having that time for myself helps me reconnect and refresh. It's all about finding a way to step away from the demands of daily life and give yourself the space to rejuvenate. I also do CEO days where I take one day a month to focus on upcoming deadlines and projects to alleviate the "always-catching-up" startup mentality.

 

Also read about: 7 Simple Things That Can Increase Your Happiness

 

SH: Why do so many people find it too difficult to prioritize self-care, despite knowing how important it is? Do you have any favorite ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine?

MT: Many people find it difficult to prioritize self-care because they believe it has to be a significant, time-consuming commitment, which can seem overwhelming. However, self-care doesn't need to be stressful or complicated. It's about fitting small, manageable acts into your busy schedule. Even simple things like taking a walk, waking up a bit earlier for some alone time or allowing yourself to sleep in a little if you need it can make a big difference. It's important to listen to your body and honor what it needs.

Personally, I make it a point to get a massage every week. While it might seem like a small gesture, it has a profound impact on my overall well-being and mental health. I encourage everyone to find their own version of a "massage" and make it a priority for themselves.

 

SH: Is there anything else on the topic that you're eager to share?

MT: I always want to highlight that mental health is for everyone, not just those who are diagnosed or experiencing symptoms—it's something we all can benefit from, no matter where we are in life. I truly believe that everyone deserves access to mental health resources and support, and that's what inspires me to keep working on Wondermind and sharing these conversations.

 

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