Mental health in the workplace is a topic a lot of professionals are discussing in today’s world of work. More and more employees are expressing that they feel stressed out at work. Having high-stress levels in the workplace can also lead to a decline in your health, stressed-out relationships, lower productivity, and more. When you are facing stress in the workplace it is important to remember to talk it out and implement solutions that help you cope and overcome what is bothering you.
Let’s look at a few of the ways you can work to improve your mental health in the workplace:
Know what stresses you out – Understanding your triggers or what stresses you out can help you in the long term to understand what stressors are and how to deal with them. Ask yourself what is upsetting you in your work. Is it a lack of resources and support? Not building relationships at work? A high workload? Once you determine what it is that is stressing you out you will be able to start to work on that stressor.
For example, if you are lonely at work and are having a hard time getting to know others in your workplace then take the time to start step by step by getting to know others. Try saying hi to a new person each day and have one small conversation per day with your coworkers. Slowly, over time you will be able to get to know that person and build a working relationship. This could make the workplace feel more inclusive.
Self-care – Taking care of yourself and exercising are all important, and you must be intentional about these practices. There have been studies conducted on how regular movement and exercise help the brain to deal with stress more effectively. So, try to get some workouts into your week that get your heart rate up!
Another thing is regular self-care, like some alone time, meditation, eating well, and seeking out help when you need it. Doing activities that fill you up is important when it comes to self-care, rather than doing things that drag you down. Also, do not be afraid to say no when you need to.
See what the workplace offers – Most companies now offer their employees an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP). These programs are confidential and free of cost and usually offer counseling, coaching, and other services.
Help others in need – As it stands our workloads are already high and are getting bigger. But sometimes thinking about others and helping them in their time of need can be useful as well. Helping others can give you a sense of accomplishment, which has many benefits for us as individuals.
When it comes to helping others, it doesn’t mean that you have to take on their workload, but it can mean that simply listening to them vent in their time of need or having someone to bounce ideas off of can be beneficial. Not only does it help to build relationships, but it also shows you that you are not the only one with obstacles at the current moment.
The workplace is ever-changing from going 100% remote, and perhaps back to the workplace part or full-time. These are adjustments that as a society we have been dealing with. With the pandemic basically behind us and the world of work going from a traditional place to a more tech-reliant workspace we must understand how to deal with the changes in our lives. Taking out time to be gentle with yourself, while implementing self-care practices can help to rebalance your work and life.
Bliss + You 