Meet Monisha Vasa | Psychiatrist, Wellness Consultant & Mindfulness Facilitator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monisha Vasa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monisha, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think the concept of work-life balance is an outdated one. With access to technology 24/7, many of are now spending working hours on a mix of home life, helping kids with homework, pursuing side gigs, and our actual “job” related duties. We are also spending traditional after work hours responding to emails and catching up on paperwork. There has been a blending and merging of our various worlds. This flexibility can be beautiful and offer us freedom; it can also result in an “always on” mentality. We have to do our best to bring self awareness to how we are spending our time and energy, and set healthy limits and boundaries where possible as we try to create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. I do think we can have it all, but maybe not all at the same time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a board certified General and Addiction psychiatrist, with a private practice based in Newport Beach. I also serve as a workplace wellbeing consultant for City of Hope National Medical Center, UC Irvine Departments of Pediatrics and Family Medicine, and a variety of corporations. I co-founded the Mental Health Collective, an evidence based mental health treatment center, and also co-host a podcast called “More Happiness, Less Suffering.” I also love writing, and recently published my first volume of poetry entitled “Salve: Words for the Journey.” It has definitely been challenging to carve out a career in medicine that fulfills my desire for creativity, a holistic approach, and the ability to meet the needs of the broader population. I have learned that it is critical to keep your core intention in your heart and mind at all times, as a way to guide your time management and decision making. My goal is to continue normalizing the conversation around mental health–we should talk about our mental health just as we talk about high blood pressure and what school our kids attend.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the cute shops and restaurants on Lido Island here in Newport Beach. I also love all of the trails that wind through Irvine and surrounding areas, as well as the beaches of Crystal Cove and Corona del Mar. We are blessed to live in a place where you can you be outdoors year round and enjoy the weather, nature, and safe spaces. It is a privilege for sure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful for the people who continue to believe in me. My husband and kids always encourage me to pursue what matters most, my friends remind me to slow down every now and again, and my patients inspire me daily with their courage and commitment to mental health.

Website: www.monishavasa.com
Instagram: @monishavasa
Twitter: @monishavasa
Facebook: @monishavasa
Other: www.mhlspodcast.com