On May 18, 2022, the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee was delighted to host Megan Sanchez, a certified professional coach of Upswing Health Coaching. After our regular Monthly Committee announcements, Megan provided a one-hour workshop titled How to Navigate Stress and Achieve Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health. Megan shared her personal story about her previous life as a graphic designer, when she worked late hours regularly at the expense of her mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Her interest in behavioral science and how to hold habits and design a life that serves us led her to work with one of the top health coaches around the country, and eventually to start her own health coaching business.

The workshop centered around 3 themes: Mindful Awareness, Self Compassion, and Boundaries. Megan shared practical strategies for managing stress and burnout. We are truly grateful for Megan’s contribution to the women in the design industry and for guiding us to find mindful awareness and self-compassion. There were so many helpful tips and takeaways that we hope our members will use to foster wellness in their professional lives. Below are a few resources Megan shared:

  • Mindful Awareness
    • 10% Happier by Dan Harris
    • Meditations by Tara Brach
    • Mindful.org
    • Life Advice that Doesn’t Suck by Mark Manson
  • Self-Compassion
    • Self-compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff, Ph.D. Center for Mindful Compassion (centerformsc.org)
    • Meditations & Insights by Sarah Blondin

For further information, courses and resources, please refer to the Upswing website.

You can download a copy of our AIANY WIA May agenda here.