Mental Well-Being at Work

The workplaces today are more fast-paced and demanding than they were a few years before. The intense competitive pressure takes a toll on our physical, emotional, and mental health. Delivering productive results and keeping an uplifted motivational level is challenging under chaotic and demanding work conditions. It calls for organizations to establish and promote a supportive work environment where employees can -

• Strike the right work-life balance,

• Effectively manage stress,

• Feel uplifted, productive, and enthusiastic to contribute to the company’s success,

• Achieve their personal and professional goals.

Given the fierce competition that predominates a work culture, do you believe cultivating such a workplace is difficult? It is not if the organizations prioritize the mental health of their employees and focus on promoting mental wellness in the workplace.

Apart from a positive workplace setting, an individual's mindset contributes significantly to advancing their mental health. There are a few mindful habits that you and I can adopt to improve our mental health in the workplace. Let us dive right away to get to know about them.

1. Set clear boundaries

Understand and honor the preciousness of your time and energy. Recognize their limited availability to you. When you set boundaries, you send a clear message to others and yourself that your time and energy are valuable. You choose to invest them wisely in the tasks and people that matter most to you. In the chaotic dance of work and life, you must learn the art of saying ‘NO’ - 

• to the extra work that you cannot deliver, 

• to domineering people, as pleasing them is no longer your priority, 

• to random events, as attending them will only drain your time and energy, and

• to anything and everything that gives you physical, mental, or emotional stress.

Remember, setting boundaries is more about prioritizing yourself than obliging others. Let grace and politeness be your constant gears to nail this art.

2. Practice self-care

Are you the one who believes that taking care of oneself is being selfish? It’s time you start thinking otherwise. In a stressful work environment, the only person to uplift your dampening mental state is ‘YOU’. So, it is highly important to paddle your own canoe!

Self-care is about nurturing your mind and body to preserve balance, build resilience, and develop a deeper sense of well-being. It is beyond having bubble baths and face masks. It is about paying attention to your physical, mental, and emotional needs.

In a workplace scenario, practicing a few mindfulness techniques can help you care for yourself.

• Deep Breathing and Mediation

Do you often feel stressed out or overwhelmed by looming deadlines and back-to-back meetings? Try finding a calm place to deep breathe and meditate. The influx of oxygen to the lungs calms the nervous system, reduces the secretion of stress hormones (called cortisols), and releases happy hormones (called endorphins and serotonin) that relieve stress. These mental stretches can help you perform to the best of your abilities and stay centered amidst the storm.

• Working Out

Incorporate physical activity into your office routine. Take a quick walk around the corridor or in the office lawns during the breaks. Learn a few exercises and yoga asanas you can practice at your desk, such as neck and shoulder movements, arms and legs stretchings, etc. Your body and mind will thank you for relieving those muscle tensions. It also enhances your focus and productivity and boosts overall physical and mental well-being throughout the workday.

3. Find your tribe

In the jungle of office politics, build your community. These are the people who have your back when the work pressure accumulates and deadlines loom. Be in the company of supportive and dependable colleagues who become your safety net when work gets tough.

These are a few techniques to follow for sustaining stable mental health at the workplace. Follow these easy yet efficacious tips to cultivate a happier and healthier mindset while hitting those deadlines.

So, go ahead and conquer your workday with a dose of self-care and a sprinkle of these savvy strategies. Finding your moments of peace and tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of work is a concrete step towards attaining mental well-being. Do remember that it is a continuous journey to make significant improvements in your work-life balance and overall quality of life.