The proverb ‘a sound mind in a sound body’ is the English translation of a famous quotation by the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Thales (Miletus, 624 – 546 BC), demonstrating the close links between physical exercise, mental equilibrium and the ability to enjoy life.
Miletus meant that the mind and body should be both healthy and sound and that healthy person can think normally and act instantly in any given situation.
It is in recognition of the foregoing and contribution to promoting wellness and healthy living among its employees, that Stanbic IBTC, recently held the 2019 edition of the Stanbic IBTC Employee Health and Wellness Week across the cities of Ilorin, Kwara State; Ibadan, Oyo State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State on August 10.
The annual Health Week programme was designed to educate and enlighten the company’s employees and the public on issues concerning healthy living and wellness.
Speaking at the event which had as its theme ‘Healthy mind, healthy body reloaded’, the chief executive officer of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Yinka Sanni, encouraged the staff pay attention to their mental health, be more mindful of their lifestyle as well as inculcate healthy habits.
Giving tips on how to maintain a good state of mental health, Sanni stressed the need to constantly challenge oneself and reach out to people for support.
“You should challenge yourself to do more, learn new skills, look out for innovative and creative ways of doing things and also learn to manage pressure and extend a helping hand to others. There is always somebody that can do with a helping hand around you if you are attentive,” he said.
The bank’s chief also emphasised the need to take some time off to refresh while also pursuing excellence.
“We should take time out to refresh. Be sure to take a 10 day break this year. We should also learn to practice excellence and bring out our very best. I also counsel that we should live in the present”, he added.
Also speaking, the country head in charge of human capital, Mrs. Olufunke Amobi, said the company fervently pursues a policy of promoting a healthy lifestyle among its staff.
She said the annual event was instituted in order to make staff members of the company become more conscious of adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
“This Health Fair is particularly very important to us because the health and wellness of our staff has a direct correlation with our vision, mission and our existence as an organisation.
She said having a sound mind and body is indeed important.
“As such it is very important that we have a healthy balance between achieving what is critical to us while also taking very good care of our bodies in the process,” she said.
