Can we get candid about the following topic? We are pretty sure most of us are currently or have had to deal with mental health personally or know someone who have had issues with their mental health some time since the pandemic started. Even before this time people were feeling the pressure, but it was not really known or openly talked about.
So, we took a moment to discuss mental health in the workplace and how you can deal with simple tasks to alleviate this feeling and shift the focus to the positive that surrounds you.
Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It’s about how people think, feel, and behave. Mental health can influence your daily living, relationships, physical health, and well-being. By simple being aware and pay attention to your mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. Finding the right balance between one’s responsibilities and activities is key.
Let’s focus on the workplace. Next to sleeping, we spend most of the hours of the day at work or since the pandemic working from home. Your workplace plays a significant role in our life. Having a fulfilling job can be rewarding for your mental health and overall general wellbeing. A healthy workplace is where everyone should have the right environment to thrive positively. There are several ways we can practice healthy habits that supports a positive state of mental health and prevent stress and burnout from happening and/or escalating.
Consider practicing kindness
Being kind and receiving kindness is good for our mental health as it releases a hormone called oxytocin, known as the love hormone, which works to boost your immune system and increase happiness levels. Kindness can be practiced in many ways, from performing an act of kindness to a stranger, to reaching out to a friend to let them know they are loved, to giving your time to a cause you believe in. Small acts of kindness will not benefit only the one receiving but also the one who is spreading kindness.
How can we practice kindness in our workplace? How about we give a colleague a compliment? Or make a cup of coffee or tea for a colleague. How about you take over a task from someone when this person has a bunch of items on their to-do list? Share a personal story about your weekend plans. Smile 😊
Things to do to for a mental health day
It is very important to give yourself the gift of self-care, which can be done by giving yourself time to do something you love. We have our daily responsibilities, but it is important and sometimes necessary to put away the to do list, and simply talk to a loved one on the phone, go for a walk, watch your favorite tv show, practicing a hobby or simply writing in a journal.
Sleeping hours
Did you know that a good night sleep is just as important for our mental health as for our physical health? Poor sleep and poor mental health are linked thus getting some quality sleeping hours enables us to feel at our optimal best the next day. Not only does your night rest improve our mood and happiness, but it also reduces the risk of anxiety and depression. When we are well-rested, we are more likely to feel fulfilled in our social life and work commitments compared to when we feel tired and unmotivated.
Creating a healthy workplace
A healthy workplace can be described as one where employees and managers, actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all employees. This can be achieved first and foremost by informing staff that support is available, even if it is by providing a listening ear.
Furthermore, try to involve employees as much as possible in the decision-making, have a training program available and give recognition and reward to employees. Having a stable job is very important for everyone, but family time is also important, so try to have sympathy to personal situations, give them the space and the option to work from home if necessary. You can be guaranteed that you will have a happier workplace, with employees that thrive and give their daily loyal contribution to the business.
Reach out
If you struggle with mental health, try not to keep it to yourself. The first steps are to reach out to the ones who most care about you and don’t be afraid to talk about what it is that you feel. Talk to your colleagues, manager, friend, anyone that is able to give you the assistance that you need. Remember that you are never alone and sometimes you will be surprised with the support handed to you.