In the dynamic and challenging world of work, it's vital to pay close attention to our mental wellbeing. Taking proactive steps to nurture our mental health has become an essential aspect of leading a fulfilling professional life.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide employees like you with practical strategies and actionable steps to enhance your mental health, find balance, and thrive in your professional and personal life.

From managing stress and building resilience to fostering positive relationships and prioritising self-care, we'll explore a range of topics that contribute to your overall well-being. Each section of this guide offers valuable insights, evidence-based techniques, and practical advice that you can implement right away.

Remember, your mental health matters, and by investing in it, you're not only benefiting yourself but also creating a positive ripple effect in your workplace and beyond.

So, let's embark on this journey together, and empower your mind to cultivate a healthier and happier life.

6 Ways Look After Your Mental Health At Work

In today's fast-paced work environment, it's easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out. It's essential to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing to perform at your best and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to support your mental health and wellbeing while at work.

Here are six tips that can help you take care of yourself and thrive in your work environment.

1. Set boundaries and manage your workload

Setting boundaries is crucial to maintaining good mental health at work so that you not only have a better work-life balance, but so that you're not overworked due to dealing with an unrealistic workload.

Here are some ways that you can set boundaries at work and be more on top of your workload:

• Prioritize tasks: Make a to-do list of the most important tasks and work on them first.
• Delegate work: If possible, delegate tasks that are not your core responsibility to other team members.
• Learn to say no: It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your team. If a task or project is beyond your capacity, learn to say no.
• Take breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This can help reduce stress and improve productivity.
• Communicate with your manager: If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to your manager about your workload and see if there are any adjustments that can be made.

2. Foster positive relationships

Having positive relationships with your colleagues can greatly impact your overall wellbeing at work. When you feel supported, respected, and valued by the people you work with, it can make a world of difference in your day-to-day experience at work.

Here are some ways to foster positive relationships at work:

• Participate in team-building activities: Join in on team-building activities to get to know your colleagues on a more personal level.
• Celebrate successes: Celebrate team successes to promote a positive team culture.
• Offer support: Offer support to colleagues who may be struggling with their workload or personal issues.
• Be respectful: Respectful communication and behavior towards your colleagues can help create a positive work environment.

3. Practice self-care

Self-care is a term that is commonly used to describe the practice of taking care of one's physical, emotional, and mental health - it's an essential part of maintaining good mental health at work.

Here are some self-care practices you can incorporate into your workday:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. Consider taking a walk during your lunch break or participating in a fitness class.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy and balanced diet can improve energy levels and promote overall wellbeing.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help improve mood and energy levels.
• Practice mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and increase focus. Consider taking a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

4. Seek support from your workplace

Many workplaces offer resources and support for employees who may be struggling with their mental health or need an extra bit of support. Using these resources can help boost your mental health significantly, without having to do it all on your own.

Here are some ways to seek support from your workplace:

• Employee wellbeing benefits: Many workplaces offer mental health and wellbeing benefits. If yours doesn’t, tell your manager about Juno and how our platform can help you and your colleagues improve your mental health and wellbeing as individuals!
• Mental health days: Some workplaces offer mental health days, which are paid days off specifically designed for employees to prioritize their mental health.
• Flexibility: Some workplaces offer flexible work arrangements such as working from home or adjusting work hours to accommodate employees who may be struggling with their mental health.
• Open communication: It’s important to have open communication with your manager or HR department if you are struggling with your mental health. They may be able to provide additional support or resources.

5. Set achievable goals

Setting achievable goals is a great way to keep yourself motivated, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and improve your overall wellbeing.

Here are some tips to help you set achievable goals at work:

• Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks: Instead of focusing on one big project, try breaking it down into smaller tasks that are more manageable. This can make it easier to track your progress and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Use the SMART goal framework: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By using this framework, you can set clear and realistic goals that are more likely to be achieved.
• Seek support from your manager to set achievable goals by scheduling a one-on-one meeting to discuss your goals and receive feedback on how to break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Celebrate small successes: It's important to recognize and celebrate small successes along the way. This can help boost your confidence and keep you motivated.

6. Communicate mental health conditions/concerns with your manager

If you have an existing mental health condition or are experiencing mental health concerns, it's important to communicate this with your manager so that they're aware and can support you.

Here are some tips for approaching this conversation:

• Schedule a private meeting with your manager to discuss your concerns.
• Be honest and clear about your mental health condition or concerns.
• Ask for accommodations or adjustments if needed.
• Discuss ways that your manager can support you, such as offering flexible work arrangements or providing resources for mental health support.
• Remember, your mental health is important and seeking support from your manager can help you better manage your condition and feel supported at work.

Final Thoughts

By implementing the techniques and tips discussed in this guide, you have the power to create a positive shift in your mental wellbeing at work. Whether it's practicing self-care, seeking support, setting boundaries, or cultivating a growth mindset, every small step counts.

Keep in mind that your mental health journey is unique, and it may involve trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you.

Make a commitment to regularly check in with your mental wellbeing, adapt your approach as needed, and seek professional help if necessary.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Reach out to supportive colleagues, friends, or mental health resources available to you at work.

By doing so, you'll not only unlock your full potential as an employee but also lead a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilling life both inside and outside of work.