Topics: self-compassion, self-care, workplace, mental health
Dr Lena Wang, Associate Professor in Management
“What is being reflected in the concept of ‘Snail Girl’ and ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ trends on social media is a call for different ways of living in our society.
“These trends don’t signify laziness. Instead, there is a great level of self-compassion and self-consciousness being reflected.
“Younger generations are rejecting a lifestyle that focuses on the pursuit of external driven rewards such as money, fame and status, which has been the focus of many in the older generations during their working age.
“The externally driven life goals serve their purpose when we are pursuing financial security but may eventually become less rewarding once we have reached a certain point in our financial status.
“Many people are now realising that living a fulfilling, rewarding life is more important than those external rewards.
“Living this rewarding life often involves pacing ourselves so that we get the time to properly enjoy little things in our day-to-day lives.
“Additionally, I do think the trends are one of the responses to the pressing mental health issues in our society.
“Increasing mental health awareness encourages more people to take a step back and think about how they want to live a better life and to practise self-care more meaningfully.
“In terms of people’s interpretation of these trends, everyone will approach this differently depending on their own values.
“People who place a high value on the importance of work and extrinsic rewards may continue doing what they usually do.
“But this trend would speak well to people who have experienced burnout and mental health challenges, which may have forced them to take a harder look at their current situation and consider a different way of living.”
Dr Ying (Lena) Wang’s research focuses on understanding and fostering positive individual attributes and behaviours at work; and advancing organisational diversity and inclusion.
She is the Co-Director of RMIT’s Centre for Organisations and Social Change (COSC) which examines contemporary business, policy and societal challenges to find evidence-based solutions to create inclusive, equitable and thriving organisations.
***
General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au
.jpg)
