Having peaceful mental health in the workplace

Your workplace may be where you earn your income and create lasting friendships, but it can also be a place of work-related stress. Deadlines, pressure and the fast-paced business world often lead to anxiety and depression.

If work-related stress is left untreated it can lead to problems like increased employee absences, but for some employees, it can lead to them leaving their job and the danger of future unemployment. 

Mental health triggers in the workplace

 

The triggers for mental health can vary, but the most common are:

• ·       Job expectations and demands
•      Bullying in workplace
• ·       Relationship issues with coworkers
• ·       Performance concerns
• ·       Insecurity about the job
• ·       Efforts are not acknowledged
• ·       Non-recognition of the symptoms of poor mental health

 

How you can improve your mental health at work

 

1.     Communication and support - Talk with a trustworthy person who can offer you support if you are stressed but also friendship. Have a support network away from work too.

2.     Keep active – Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress so make sure that you do so at least a couple of times a week during your break.

3.     Short breaks – These are an invaluable way to destress during the working day. You need to take at least ten minutes every hour away from a computer screen and one longer 20-minute uninterrupted break during the day.

4.     Offer and ask for help – If you can’t cope or don’t know how to do something ask a colleague to help instead of stressing. Help others when they are in need, the benefits to your mental health are incredible.

5.     Avoid alcohol – Non-alcoholic beverages are better for work lunches and functions because they don’t increase anxiety or change the mood.

6.     Meditate – Meditation is a wonderful way to begin or end the day as it prepares you for the day ahead or the evening round of family commitments.

7.     Have goals – Have a list of short and long-term goals and work toward them, crossing them off the list as they are accomplished.

8.     Take up a relaxing activity – While at work you can solve puzzles during one of your breaks, care for the office plants, or make tea for your co-workers; anything that relaxes you.

Employers need to ensure that their employees have access to support.