As you may already know, this week is Mental Health awareness week, with the focus being on ‘anxiety’ and how it can lead to serious mental health issues.
We have put together 7 coping strategies recommended by professionals that you can use to help manage stress and anxiety in the workplace and reduce the impact on your mental health.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, body, and surrounding environment. This can help you reduce stress and anxiety by reducing the distractions and worries that can cloud your mind. You can practice mindfulness by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your breathing, or by taking a short walk outside during your lunch break.
A great app to try to practice mindfulness and meditation is ‘Headspace’, proven to help employees manage stress and anxiety in the workplace.
2. Set Realistic Goals
One of the biggest sources of stress in the workplace is feeling overwhelmed by the workload. To reduce stress and anxiety, set realistic goals for yourself. Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, and prioritise the most important tasks first. This will help you stay organised and focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and reduce stress and anxiety. Use your breaks to take a walk, stretch, or do a quick meditation exercise. This can help you clear your mind and refocus on your work.
4. Talk to Someone
If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, talking to someone can help. This could be a coworker, a friend, or a family member. You could also talk to a therapist or counselor if you need more support. Sometimes just sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone else can help you feel more calm and centred.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for good mental health. Lack of sleep can make you feel more stressed and anxious, and make it harder to cope with workplace demands. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and establish a consistent sleep routine to help your body and mind relax.
6. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being. You don't have to spend hours in the gym to get the benefits of exercise. Even a short walk or yoga session can help you feel more relaxed and focused.
7. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for good mental health, especially in the workplace. This could involve taking a relaxing bath after work, practicing yoga or meditation, or indulging in a hobby that you enjoy. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more balanced and centered, and better able to manage stress and anxiety.
In conclusion, managing stress and anxiety in the workplace is essential for good mental health. Remember to prioritize your mental health and make time for yourself each day. By practicing mindfulness, setting realistic goals, taking breaks, talking to someone, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and practicing self-care, you can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
At Henderson Scott, our employees physical and mental health is very important to us, which is why we've partnered with the platform Life Works to provide our employees with access to Mental, Physical, Financial, and Social support. We also have a Mental Health First Aider, our Head of People Lauren Palmer, who is available to support our employees who may be struggling with stress and anxiety.
For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week, or to donate, visit the Mental Health Foundation's website here.