Let’s talk about mental health in the work place.
In 2023 there was an estimated 875,000 workers suffering from work related stress, anxiety and depression.
On average, people spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime so it makes sense that how our workplace makes us feel would have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing. Whether you work from home or are surrounded by hundreds of colleagues every day, life can feel pretty lonely if you are struggling with your mental health.
Here are six ways to help you decompress, refocus and relax.
🫁 Take a breath: Deep breathing helps to reduce stress and promotes relaxation. When sitting at your desk, place both feet flat on the ground hip-width apart. Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
🫶 Words of affirmation: Positive affirmations can help you develop a more positive mindset and build self-esteem. If you don’t already have some, try these: "I am capable of achieving my goals", "I am aware of my unique gifts and talents", "I am worthy of love and respect", "I trust that I can handle whatever comes my way".
💧 Drink water: Preventing dehydration can reduce and eliminate feelings of fatigue, stress and mental fogginess. Drinking enough water can also massively improve serotonin absorption. When you're hydrated, your body can produce and regulate serotonin more effectively which can help with depression and anxiety.
🥜 Grab a healthy snack: Choosing snacks like nuts and seeds containing healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 are important for brain function. Trail mix can be made with ingredients like almonds, sunflower seeds, dark chocolate chips and raisins which contain magnesium, another important mineral to support mental wellness.
🧘 Drop your shoulders: Dropping your shoulders can help you relax and relieve mental and physical tension. It can also help reverse the body's fight-or-flight response. Sit up straight, take a deep breath, and bring your shoulder blades together and down. When doing this it can be helpful to take a deep breath, or imagine a happy place or memory that brings you joy.
⏰ Take five: Taking breaks at work is important for mental health, it allows your brain to recharge and reduces stress. Giving yourself time to relax and reflect after work stress is also vital for preventing burn out.
If you are struggling with your mental health at work, please do not suffer in silence. Find someone you are comfortable confiding in either in the workplace, in your personal support network or reach out to your GP for support.
There are also some incredible charities here for you too which we have listed below.
Able Futures
Samaritans
Mind
Rethink Mental Illness Training
If you or someone you know is in need of urgent help, please call 999.
#mentalhealthawareness #yourmindmatters #workplacewellbeing #employeewellness #selfcare #burnoutprevention
