We all work so hard, and it gets stressful for everyone at some point. Workplace culture has historically expected employees to work harder and faster, even at the expense of our own health. Thankfully, that attitude is finally changing. People are finally realizing that maintaining mental health is important to our overall well-being.
The workplace is often a source of stress and pressure, and it can take a toll on mental health if it’s not managed effectively. This week, we’ll explore strategies for maintaining your mental health in the workplace.
1. Prioritize Self-Care:Â
The first thing to do is make self-care a priority. Many people spend so much time and effort taking care of others, both in their personal lives and meeting deadlines at work, that it’s easy to push aside self-care. Does this mean taking long, hot baths with cucumbers on your eyes? Maybe in some cases, but self-care should also happen during the work day.
Just as you allocate time for work tasks, you can also schedule moments for self-care throughout the day. This can include short breaks to stretch, practice mindfulness, or simply take a few deep breaths. If you have the option, leave the building during lunch to get a mental and physical break from work. Even going outside for a few minutes of fresh air can help you feel like you’ve had a break.
By incorporating these moments into your daily routine, you can recharge your mental battery and enhance your overall well-being.
2. Establish Healthy Boundaries:
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is vital for mental health. Technology has made it easy to be constantly connected to work, even outside of official working hours, and Covid shutdowns made that encroachment more acceptable. However, it’s important to establish and maintain healthy boundaries to ensure your personal time is respected. This can reduce the risk of burnout and job dissatisfaction. Work with your manager to establish acceptable boundaries, then communicate those boundaries clearly with your colleagues.
3. Foster a Positive Work Environment:
Your work atmosphere has a big influence on your mental health. It’s important to create a positive and supportive work environment (managers, I’m looking at you). When managers encourage open communication, recognize achievements, and foster a sense of community, it contributes to a workplace culture that promotes mental well-being. A positive work environment not only reduces stress but also enhances overall job satisfaction and can prevent burnout.
4. Break Down Overwhelming Tasks:
A common source of stress at work is feeling overwhelmed by a large project or an extensive to-do list. Try breaking down some of those tasks into smaller, more manageable components. This approach can make your workload seem less overwhelming, because it allows you to focus on one step at a time. Use time management tools to help you. For example, use your online calendar to block out time to focus on the steps that require the most concentration. When you finish a task, you might want to celebrate with a small treat to acknowledge your own accomplishment.
5. Seek Support:Â
Don't hesitate to seek support when needed. Whether it's talking to a trusted colleague, seeking guidance from a mentor, or accessing employee assistance programs, having a support system is crucial. Sharing your concerns or challenges can give you valuable perspectives and coping strategies. If you have concerns about your workload, it might be a good idea to talk to your manager about it. There might be workload imbalances they were unaware of, so good communication is important.
6. Embrace Lifelong Learning:
Continuous learning not only enhances professional growth but also has positive effects on mental health. Embracing new challenges and acquiring new skills gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose. A proactive approach to personal and professional development helps build confidence and job satisfaction.
We all need to be intentional about maintaining mental health in the workplace. When life gets busy and stressful, the first thing many people tend to do is put aside their own needs to make sure everything gets done. But if you don’t take steps to maintain your own mental health, you eventually won’t be able to take care of all the other things. Take the time to care for yourself; even the small things you do for yourself matter. When you care for yourself, you are better able to take care of business. You’ll not only enhance your own quality of life, but you’ll also contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.
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