World Mental Health Day is observed each year on the 10th of October to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote wellbeing. With most people spending a significant amount of their day at work, it’s essential to prioritise mental health in the workplace.
We’ve put together some of our top tips to help you boost your mental wellness while at the office:
Take your lunch break
It can be tempting to skip your lunch break when you have deadlines to meet and a long to-do list. However, taking a break is crucial for your mental health. Going outside for a walk or having lunch with colleagues can give you the opportunity to clear your mind and recharge. Eating a healthy lunch can also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay focused and energised.
Get the gang together
Why not meet up with some of your colleagues to start a healthy competition or work together on a team challenge. This could be an active goal like a step challenge or running goal that you train for at lunch or in the evenings. Alternatively, you could join a book or movie club that you meet up to discuss each week. Whatever it is, engaging in group activities can help build relationships and create a more positive work environment.
Find a work-life balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for your mental health. Set boundaries to ensure you are not working too late or taking work home with you. Once you leave work, try to establish a routine that separates your workday from your free time. This could be a short walk, meditation, or any other activity that helps you reset and relax.
Make your workday more enjoyable
We get it, work can be stressful at times, especially if you’ve a mountain of to-dos to get through and not enough time to do it. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, why not make your day more enjoyable by rewarding yourself with a short 5-minute coffee break when you complete a task or get your headphones on and enjoy your favourite playlist or podcast while you work away.
Try a change of scenery
Changing your environment can have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing and productivity. If your job allows it, consider working in a different location for a morning or afternoon each week. This could be working outdoors on a sunny day or taking your laptop to a local cafe for a change of scenery and to see some new faces, which is especially important if you work from home.
In conclusion, prioritising mental health in the workplace is essential to ensure you’re taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a journey, and it starts with small steps. If you find yourself struggling with your mental health there are services available that can help: check out NHS, Mind and Mental Health Foundation for more information.