5 ways to improve your wellbeing in the workplace
Mental health affects everyone.
Your mental health doesn’t always stay the same. We all have times when we feel sad, stressed and anxious. Most of the time those feeling pass but if we don’t have control of our Mental Health sometimes those feelings develop into a more serious problem.
Looking after your mental health is not something you should only do if you are struggling. It is something we should invest continuously in. Having good mental health can help us sleep better, feel better and play a full part in those relationships that matter.
The NHS has launched a new ground-breaking platform to support Mental Health – Every Mind Matters. It is a free online plan to help you deal with stress, boost your mood, improve your sleep and feel more in control.
Visit ‘Every Mind Matters’ to answer 5 quick questions and get your personalised plan of simple ideas to help improve your mental health and wellbeing: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/your-mind-plan-quiz/
This blog primarily focuses on improving your wellbeing in the workplace. The following five tips listed on the mind.org website have been researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation:
- Connect
Social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing. There is strong evidence that indicates that being valued by other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to positive mental health. With this in mind, focus on:
- Talking to someone instead of sending an email
- Speak to someone new
- Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is
- Travel to and from work with a colleague
- Participate in a social activity
- Be active.
Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Why don’t you focus on becoming more active at work? Here are a few ideas:
- Take the stairs not the lift
- Go for a walk at lunchtime
- Walk into work
- Get off the bus/train one stop earlier and walk the final part
- Get involved in the work-place activities.
- Take notice.
Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help reaffirm your life priorities.
Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations. Take some time to enjoy the environment around you.
- Clear your desk weekly
- Take a different route on your journey to or from work
- Visit a new place or lunch
- Get a plant for your workspace
- Learn
Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has strongly been associated with higher levels of wellbeing.
Learn something new today:
- Find out something about your colleagues
- Research something you’ve always wondered about
- Listen to the news/read a book
- Do a mental activity – crossword, sudoku etc.
- Give
It is proven that committing an act of kindness once a week is associated with an increase in wellbeing.
- Give to charity
- Participate in a social activity
- Help the community
