Empowering Your Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Mental Wellbeing
In my previous articles, I focused on achieving success through understanding your core purpose and cultivating habits that propel you forward. However, amid this pursuit, safeguarding your mental and physical health is crucial. While I am not a licensed medical professional, I would like to share some personal insights and strategies that may help you enhance and protect your mental wellbeing in the face of a demanding career.
Section 1.1: Mastering Organization
A well-structured planner can significantly alleviate work-related stress, minimize procrastination, and help you determine when your workday has concluded. It’s all too easy to find yourself working late into the night, believing you haven’t accomplished enough. However, tracking your daily tasks often reveals that you’ve made more progress than you thought. Develop a long-term planner for projects or weekly objectives, then create a daily plan based on that. Prioritize tasks effectively, employing tools like Eisenhower's matrix, and adhere to your plan diligently. As Tim Grover wisely stated, "Control all the variables you can control, so the uncontrollable becomes a little easier to manage." A solid organizational strategy is essential to work smart and prevent burnout. Remember, burnout will leave you unable to work until you recover; prevention is always better than treatment.
Section 1.2: The Power of Journaling
Engaging in daily or weekly journaling can provide clarity on your feelings and aspirations. I firmly believe in focused journaling, as it helps me reconnect with my purpose and relax in a way that few other activities can. This personal practice allows you to step away from daily to-do lists and connect deeply with your inner self.
Section 1.3: The Necessity of Exercise
Exercise is non-negotiable for your long-term wellbeing. Aim for some form of physical activity every day—no excuses. Even a brief 10–15 minute morning workout followed by a 20-minute walk later can fit into any schedule. Challenge yourself with at least 30 squats and 100 push-ups daily, and consider hitting the gym or pool three times a week.
Section 1.4: Embrace Nature with Walking
I recommend taking a 20–30 minute walk outside during your workday. Depending on your pace, this can cover approximately 2 miles. Many successful CEOs maintain this habit into their 50s and 60s, and I incorporate it into my daily routine, particularly after intense focus sessions.
Chapter 2: Prioritizing Rest and Boundaries
The first video discusses practical ways to enhance health and wellbeing at work, focusing on actionable strategies you can implement.
Section 2.1: The Importance of Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in your mental wellbeing. As mentioned in my previous article about success habits, aim for 7–8 hours of quality rest each night. This is your time to reset and prepare for the challenges of the next day. Occasionally, a daytime nap can also recharge your energy levels, allowing you to approach problems with fresh solutions.
Section 2.2: Managing Work Relationships
One of the most significant causes of workplace stress is the overwhelming workloads assigned by multiple supervisors. If you find yourself inundated with tasks from several seniors, it might be time to discuss workload management with your manager. Communicate your deadlines and do not take on additional responsibilities just to impress. The focus should be on delivering quality results rather than simply increasing your workload.
Section 2.3: Quality Over Quantity
To make a meaningful impact in your role, seek tasks that contribute significantly to your team’s strategic goals. Overloading yourself with projects can diminish the quality of your work, ultimately affecting your credibility and performance reviews. Aim for a manageable workload that allows you to excel without risking burnout.
Section 2.4: The Value of Connection
Engaging in conversations with friends, colleagues, and loved ones fosters connection and enhances wellbeing. Authentic discussions can ease tension and build rapport, leading to more productive interactions, whether in meetings or casual settings. Small inquiries about each other’s lives can strengthen relationships and contribute positively to your work environment.
The second video presents three essential ways to improve mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of a supportive work environment.
Section 2.5: Intellectual Engagement
Reading books or articles outside of work provides both relaxation and mental stimulation, sharpening your cognitive abilities and enhancing your productivity upon returning to work. This practice broadens your perspective and contributes positively to your mental health over time.
Section 2.6: Setting Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries are vital in every relationship, including those at work. Establish clear boundaries for yourself and uphold them with others. Do not hesitate to assert your limits against disrespectful behavior and remove yourself from unhealthy relationships when necessary. Remember, "If you tolerate everything, you stand for nothing."
Section 2.7: The Importance of Breaks
Taking time off is essential for mental health. Even if you love your work, regular breaks are necessary to recharge. I once prided myself on never taking a day off, but this ultimately harmed my wellbeing. Whether it’s a day in nature or a proper vacation, stepping away from work is crucial for maintaining mental balance.
Section 2.8: Reporting Discomfort
If you encounter bullying, harassment, or any form of disrespect at work, report it through secure channels. This could be your line manager or a confidential HR service. It’s vital to protect your wellbeing and address such behavior appropriately. However, ensure you separate personal grievances from professional matters.
Section 2.9: Addressing Personal Issues
Personal challenges can significantly impact your mental health. If necessary, consider taking time off to manage these issues without the added stress of work. Many organizations offer compassionate leave, so don’t hesitate to explore these options. Alternatively, you can switch your focus to work as a therapeutic escape, but if personal issues are affecting your performance, seeking professional guidance is advisable.
Section 2.10: Prioritizing Yourself
Finally, amidst all the organizational strategies discussed, make sure to schedule time for yourself. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-reflection, connect with loved ones, and plan for your future.
In closing, I was inspired to share these insights by a manager who emphasized the importance of promoting wellbeing within the team. It’s crucial to understand that wellbeing is a serious matter; many face significant challenges due to work-related stress. By sharing these tips, I hope to positively impact others as they pursue their ambitions.
Take care of yourselves, prioritize your health, and feel free to share your own strategies in the comments. Wishing you success in your endeavors, and I look forward to our next interaction.
Shahvir
P.S. I am passionate about making a difference in my community through sharing experiences and insights. For updates on my writing, feel free to follow me on Medium.