Supporting your own mental and emotional needs is essential for good mental health. While most professionals are aware of that, determining what they can do during the workday to improve their well-being isn’t always easy.
Many roles bring with them an inherent degree of stress. Since that’s the case, it may seem like there’s little an employee can do to reduce the perceived burden.
Fortunately, there are options available, allowing you to take steps to ensure your well-being at work and support your mental health. If you’re wondering how you can start that journey, here are three simple ways to begin.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Mobile technology and remote work often blur the line between work and personal times. It’s hard to ignore professional responsibilities when your home office is always mere steps away, or your smartphone is constantly alerting you to incoming work notifications. The issue is that failing to disconnect harms work-life balance. In time, it can breed resentment, potentially putting you on the path toward burnout.
That’s why setting clear boundaries is crucial. If there are no after-hours expectations from your manager, make sure you can fully disconnect during your off time. Silence work-related notifications and shut down your laptop, decreasing the odds that your professional life will loom over you.
If there are after-hours expectations, have a conversation with your manager. Be straightforward about the negative impact of the always-on mentality, and work to find a solution that supports improved work-life balance. That allows you to get the rest you need, ensuring work doesn’t take over your entire life.
2. Take Your Breaks
Taking your lunch and 15-minute breaks is critical for supporting your mental health. It gives you a chance to rest and recharge, allowing you to reduce stress. With lunch breaks, you’re also taking time to nourish your body, allowing you to eat more mindfully and fully appreciate the experience.
If you struggle to remember your breaks, schedule them into your calendar to ensure you remember them and that no one else attempts to book that time. Set alerts for the start time and 15 minutes prior, allowing you to prep for the upcoming break and know when it’s time to step away for a moment.
3. Get Comfortable with “No”
Many professionals assume they have to take on every task that’s generally directed their way. However, if you always say “yes,” you may end up overloaded far faster than you’d expect.
Getting comfortable with saying “no” is empowering. It allows you to speak up when your workload legitimately can’t handle another addition. Plus, it teaches you to prioritize, ensuring your current responsibilities aren’t neglected because an incoming task would be disruptive.
When you say “no,” use the right approach. Decline outwardly and firmly while remaining polite. If possible, follow that up with an alternative, giving the requestor a potential direction for finding the solution they need.
Contact Selectek Today!
Ultimately, prioritizing your mental health at work is possible, particularly if you use the strategies above. If you’d like to find out more, the staff at Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
