Day in the Life: Rianna Patterson, 23-Year-Old Queen’s Young Leader Award Winner and Mental Health Advocate
Rianna Patterson is a social activist and mental health advocate who established the Dominica Dementia Foundation at the age of 18, in memory of her grandfather who passed away from dementia in Dominica. The Foundation aims to provide support to families and care homes affected by dementia. Rianna received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award in 2017 by Her Majesty the Queen for her work in helping ease the impact dementia has on individuals and families. Rianna has launched a habit challenge where 100+ individuals across the globe have committed to taking strides with their mental health and well-being during COVID. She has also been mentioned as one to watch out for in 2021 by The Voice Newspaper.
Now 23, Rianna Patterson has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to produce a documentary on dementia called Dementia: The Island Journey.
Location:
United Kingdom
What’s your personal motto?
You have a lot to give, but not from an empty cup. Mental health is priority.
What’s your favorite book?
Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern
What’s your favorite vegetable?
Avocado
What’s your favorite exercise?
Running
What’s your favorite YouTube video?
Melo-Zed–Stimulus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyXNXNGStWM
What’s your favorite way to center?
Music
What gets you out of bed every morning?
Knowing that I have a purpose, including my contributions to social good, especially dementia.
What is the most important part of your daily routine?
Personal care
What about your “O” (or day plan) do you think is unique or special?
The dementia support groups that I lead periodically on Sundays are very interesting and special.
Whose “O” (or day plan) would you most love to see?
Letitia Wright
What is your #1 wellness habit?
Less screen time; there is more to life than living it through our screen. There’s a whole world to explore.
What is the best piece of health advice you’ve ever received?
Treat your body like a plant. Your health should be at the top of your to-do list always.
What is your favorite part of living a healthy lifestyle?
Having the energy to get things done, and being the best version of yourself to experience life at its fullest.
Describe your sleep ritual. What time do you go to bed? Do you do anything special to prepare?
I start settling for bed around 9pm, but I fall asleep around 10pm. Additionally, I try to cut down screen time an hour before bed. I also like listening to podcasts or talks on Clubhouse. (Follow me on there if you like, @riannapatterson.)
What’s your biggest wellness challenge? How do you address it?
Being more active. I work 9-5 full time, so I am developing more self-awareness to get up and stretch and give my eyes a break from looking at the screen.
Tell us about a time you were stuck in an unhealthy cycle and how you got out of it. What was the main inspiration for positive change?
I struggled to get out of bed. I still do sometimes, but the thought of getting up is the root of the problem. So I don’t think about it; I just do it. I pray before getting up, and I build awareness that if I don’t wake up, there will be implications like working later than I should.
If you could give one piece of health advice to your kid(s), future kid(s) or relative(s), what would it be and why?
Make time for mental health, no matter what! It should always take priority. This means less screen time and more quality time with family. Enjoy solitude, and go out and explore the world!
Rianna’s URLs:
Rianna’s Ideal Daily Routine:
7am-8am—Running/ Walking
8am-9am—Breakfast
10 am-12pm—Shower/Swimming
1pm—Start Work
4pm—Finish Work
5pm—Speaking Opportunity
6pm—Dinner
7pm—Watch Movie
8pm—Check Socials
9pm—Bed