Horiens promotes White January campaign to encourage greater presence and mental health

Created in 2014, White January is a global movement that invites society to look more closely at mental health. In a month that symbolizes new beginnings, plans, and expectations, the message is clear: taking care of the mind is an essential part of living well.

“In a context in which organizations play a fundamental role in building healthier and more sustainable environments, talking about mental health is also talking about responsible management, conscious productivity, and people’s longevity,” says Laudelino Soares, Director of People Insurance at Horiens.

“That’s why, this White January, Horiens is promoting and making this content available to its clients as an invitation to reflection and to spreading the theme among employees,” he adds.

When excess becomes the norm

Contemporary life is marked by excess—of information, commitments, stimuli, and demands. The feeling of constantly “running after” something has become normalized, as has the difficulty of stopping, quieting down, and simply being.

This constant pace keeps the body and mind in a prolonged state of alertness. Over time, this affects emotional balance, sleep quality, concentration, mood, and even our relationships with others.

Presence: more than attention, a form of care

One of the most urgent reflections in the face of modern?day challenges comes from a simple and powerful question: how present have we been in our own lives?

In this context, presence is not about perfection, productivity, or full control of the mind. Presence is the willingness to be aware of the moment we are experiencing—even amid the imperfections of everyday life.

Being present means noticing the body, recognizing emotions, listening attentively, and engaging in activities with less distraction. This simple—yet increasingly challenging—attitude helps reduce anxiety, strengthens the mind?body connection, and creates internal spaces for rest, even within demanding routines.

Studies show that mindfulness practices (which consist of focusing on the present moment without judgment) are associated with significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

These findings are reported in international mental health journals such as the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

When the mind finds more balance, choices become more conscious, relationships healthier, and self-care more accessible. We can say that presence does not eliminate challenges—but it changes how we relate to them.

Small choices, big impact

Even brief practices have real effects. A study from the University of Bath, in the United Kingdom, showed that just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness for 30 days was enough to reduce symptoms of depression by around 19% and anxiety by more than 12%, as well as improve overall well-being.

Cultivating presence doesn’t require radical changes. Small, everyday choices can already make a difference:

• Reducing excessive multitasking
• Creating real breaks throughout the day
• Breathing intentionally, even in moments of tension
• Eating in a balanced and mindful way
• Walking with awareness of the body and surroundings
• Listening to people without rushing or interrupting

These actions help the body exit “autopilot mode” and restore a more conscious experience of living.

An invitation that goes beyond January

White January reminds us that caring for mental health is not a luxury, a trend, or a slogan—it is a real necessity. Presence can be a powerful ally in this journey.

May the beginning of this year be an opportunity to slow down, observe, and choose to be more present—with more awareness, balance, and kindness toward yourself.

Because, in the end, greater presence transforms the way we live, feel, and connect with the world