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Black History Month: Amatey reflects on his experience of Black Health and Wellness
This year, the theme for Black History Month is “Time for Change: Action Not Words”. At Moorhouse, it’s time for action not just words in relation to Black Health and Wellness. As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we asked some of our colleagues what this means to them, and how they look after their own health and wellness.
Last week, we spoke to Carly Ward, Manager in our Digital and Data team. This week, we spoke to Amatey Doku, a Consultant from our People and Change team.
Amatey, what does health and wellness mean to you?
For me, health and wellness means taking the time I need to recharge and recuperate on a regular basis. It means knowing and understanding what my stressors might be, what the signs of drifting to exhaustion and burnout are and intervening before it gets there. And it means setting myself up to be resilient to the inevitable pressures and stresses of the world around us.
How do you take care of your health and wellness?
For me, investing in quality time outside work on a regular basis is key, particularly on activities that force you away from your computer and phone. Singing in a choir, socialising and going for a run a few times a week are my main ways of doing so. Lack of exercise in particular has a marked influence on my mood so it’s something I try and take seriously. However, moderation is key; even activities and events that you enjoy can take a toll on health and wellbeing if overdone.
What is your top tip to others?
Deep down we all know when we’re pushing ourselves too hard and too fast. We sometimes get away with it, but if an unexpected life event or illness comes during that time it can push us over the edge. My tip to others is just to keep an active ongoing careful and watchful eye over our health and listen to what our body is telling us.
A black British person who has inspired me
A black British person who inspires me is Sonita Alleyne, the current Master of Jesus College Cambridge. She was the first black woman to lead an Oxbridge College, in the institution’s 800 year history and has been an exemplary and progressive leader. During her tenure she has been a staunch advocate for student welfare and decolonisation. She took the bold move to spearhead the restitution of an original Benin Bronze cockerel, which was in the College’s possession; Nigeria has been requesting the return of these pieces of cultural significance since they were looted by the British army in the late 1800s.
Thank you to Amatey for sharing your personal experience. Next week we will hear from other colleagues on their experience of Black Health and Wellness.
Author: Amatey Doku
Amatey Doku is a Consultant in Moorhouse’s People and Change Team. He has worked across Health, Higher Education and the Energy sector, with work spanning from equality, diversity and inclusion to stakeholder management and engagement.