Advice for prioritising your mental health in the workplace

Today, Thursday 10 October, is World Mental Health Day. It is a chance to highlight why mental health matters, end stigma around the topic and give people the opportunity to share any challenges they are going through.

Here at Work Avenue, the theme chosen for this year is very close to our hearts.

‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’ was picked after a global vote of participants in 116 countries.

Explaining why this is so important, Tsuyoshi Akiyama, President of the World Federation for Mental Health, said: “Many of us spend a huge proportion of our lives at work. At its best, work can provide a livelihood and be a source of meaning, purpose and joy. However, it can also bring mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.”

Our team of Work Avenue employment and business advisers have more nearly two decades of experience supporting people with self-confidence, well-being and mental health. They have undergone mental health training and treat every client sensitively and in strictest confidence.

Below, for World Mental Health Day, they share five pieces of advice to help you prioritise your mental health.

1) Talk about how you are feeling

When you’re feeling troubled or facing obstacles, good communication is the key. Bottling problems up and putting ‘a brave face on things’ can have a negative impact long-term. On the other hand, talking about your feelings can help you maintain your mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

Do you have a colleague you can chat things through with, or a manager who offers catch-up sessions?

If you don’t feel able to talk about feelings at work – or are an entrepreneur or freelancer without that possibility – then identify someone else you can discuss any challenges with. Partners, friends, family and our Work Avenue team can all act as a great sounding board.

2) Keep active

Work stress can lead to a vicious cycle where we sacrifice our physical health – either by being glued to a computer screen or just not feeling like moving – which in turn further impacts our mental health.

It is important to try and carve out time each day to do some kind of physical activity. That can be going to the gym or playing sport, but equally it could be going for a nice walk at lunch time or after work.

Regular movement like this can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep and generally feel better.

3) Eat well

Hand-in-hand with keeping active is eating well, although that can often be difficult to maintain in the workplace.

Try and plan ahead for mealtimes and, if you are going to be stuck eating at your desk, aim to bring in something healthy.

The British Heart Foundation recommend drinking 4-6 cups of water (800ml to 1,200ml) during working hours – so maybe tick these off as you go or buy a water bottle that fits the entire amount and make sure to finish it.

This will help you feel healthier, more energised and better able to cope with any stress.

4) Keep up a work/life balance

Many of us have jobs or businesses where it feels impossible to switch off – whether that’s ‘taking work home’ or emails coming in at all hours.

Try and prioritise spending time with family and friends, or indulging in a hobby or passion. Some people find drawing up a timetable to be helpful to make sure this doesn’t get missed.

5) Remember you are not alone

If you are struggling then it’s important to know you are not alone.

World Mental Health Day is designed to show that it’s okay to not be okay. We all get overwhelmed at times, especially if we think things haven’t gone to plan.

If you are struggling then there are lots of places you can turn to for help.

If your worries are work or business related then please come and see us at Work Avenue.

There are also mental health charities and support groups such as JAMI and Mind, and your GP will be able to offer help and outline various NHS services.