This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. We thought we’d take an opportunity to address mental health at work. With the daily grind, deadlines, and the pressure to perform, it’s easy to sideline our mental well-being. However, ignoring it only leads to burnout and decreased productivity.
Here are some helpful tips on how to keep yourself healthy at work:
Set Clear Boundaries:
It’s easy for work to bleed into your personal life, especially when emails ping at all hours. Try to establish clear boundaries between work and home life. Shut down your laptop, silence your phone, and give yourself time to unwind.
Take Regular Breaks:
Give your brain a breather throughout the day by taking short breaks. Even a five-minute walk around the block can work wonders for your mental clarity.
Communicate:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your workload, don’t suffer in silence. Your manager isn’t a mind reader. Speak up and let them know how you’re feeling. Chances are, they’ll appreciate your honesty and work with you to find a solution.
Prioritise Self-Care:
Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Carve out time in your day for activities that make you feel good, whether it’s going for a run, reading a book, or having some much-needed Netflix binging. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Seek Support:
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Whether it’s talking to a therapist or trusted friend, reaching out for support is a brave and important step on the path to healing.
Remember, your mental health is so important. Let’s continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health and build workplaces where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Need further help?
If you or someone you know is struggling, know that help is available. In Scotland, organizations like SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) provide valuable resources and support for those in need.
Your health, both physical and mental, should come first and if you feel that the tips above help, but you are still feeling the impact on your mental health. Then it may be your work environment or current job position at the root cause and it might be a time for a change. Knowing what else is out there might help – search now!