Already have an account?
Get back to the
Health

Stressed at Work? 9 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Tags:

We all have those dreams of ditching the daily grind and running off to a tropical island while a magical bank account generates us millions. But the experts have other news: Evidence shows that most of us are better off mentally and physically when we’re employed. Striking the right balance of work, rest, and play in a supportive workplace is the best bet. But that can be easier said than done. 

Anyone who has endured a nightmare job will know the dread that creeps in on Sunday afternoon as you prepare for another week of walking on eggshells around a difficult boss or the exhausting expectation to regularly stay late. Regardless of whether your stress is due to an insurmountable workload, an uneasy office environment, or a manager that specializes in put-downs, it’s a situation that can eat away at your confidence and self-esteem, and even become demoralizing.

We all know about the huge mental and physical toll caused by ongoing stress. In the broader scheme of things, toxic environments can also lead to low productivity, unsafe conditions, and a costly staff turnover. It doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that happier workplaces are better for bosses, workers, and business in general, so how do you look after your own workplace wellbeing?

1. Limit extra working hours.

Work commitments can get crazy sometimes, but when long hours become the norm rather than the exception, it can negatively impact our health. If this sounds like you, have a chat with your manager first.

2. Schedule meetings during work hours.

Arranging meetings to begin and end only within core working hours will help to ensure your precious “out-of-office” time is protected.

3. Take regular breaks.

Being busy all the time will ultimately lead to burnout. There’s more research than you can shake a stick at that says taking breaks — both physical and mental — can boost our productivity. 

4. Try not to take work home.

Adding an extra hour or two at home to wrap up a work project can quickly become a habit, but think of it as the exception and not the rule. Downtime is vital for a healthy work-life balance.

5. Take your vacation days.

A complete break from work has big mental and physical health benefits. Taking a vacation can help to reduce work-related stress, prevent anxiety and depression, and increase work performance and productivity.

6. It’s okay to say ‘no’ sometimes.

It can be difficult to say, but ‘no’ isn’t a dirty word as far as your workload is concerned. Be genuine and state your reasons clearly. In the long run, the outcome will be more positive, and you’ll be in a better position to say yes the next time.

7. Have a tech ‘switch-off’ time.

Resist the pressure to look at work emails outside of work hours. This can be a creeping habit in lots of workplaces — lead by example and don’t let the late-night email scroll become part of your work culture.

8. Make use of EAP.

Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help employees with personal and work-related issues that may impact their job performance, health, and emotional wellbeing.

9. Explore flexible working arrangements when possible.

Making work fit better into your day-to-day life can help to improve your general wellbeing. Work closely and negotiate with your employer — you will need to be able to do your job in an effective manner that works for both of you.

Source: Beyond Blue.

This article was originally written by Sara Bunny. For more, check out our sister site, Now to Love.

More From FIRST

Mindfulness Can Help Reduce Pesky Menopause Symptoms, Study Suggests

26 Best Computer Glasses for Women to Protect Your Eyes From Screen Glare

Giving Yourself a General ‘Happiness Goal’ Can Make Your Best Life Moments Last Longer

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.