Whether our society likes it or not, employees don’t shut off their emotions at their office door. Our emotions affect us whether we’re on the clock or off, so it’s essential to take responsibility for our mental health, even while at work. Because if you don’t, studies show that poor mental health affects an employee’s:
- Job performance.
- Productivity levels.
- Communication with coworkers.
- Involvement with one’s work.
- Physical capability and daily functioning.
So if you thought your state of mind didn’t affect your work, think again. You deserve to feel your best at work, so here are five ways to protect your mental health while on the job:
1. Take breaks. Don’t just chug away at work all day long. Instead, fuel your brain by taking restorative pauses throughout your day to check in with yourself and give your mind a break.
2. Create a morning ritual. Take care of yourself at work by prioritizing taking care of yourself before work. A morning routine can help you set the tone for your day, so start your day off right with healthy, mindful habits.
3. Learn to say no. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should, so learn your limits. Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on more than you can handle.
4. Establish boundaries. You have to learn to leave work at work, or else your work-life balance will become non-existent. You are a person outside of your work, so establish boundaries with yourself to honor your free time outside the office. Set your boundaries and stay true to them, whether your limits are never working past a specific time or never missing your child’s game or performance for work.
5. Ask for help when you need it. Your managers and coworkers won’t know you need a hand unless you ask, so ask away! They want to help you be your best self at work, so lean on your team for support.
We hope you use these tips to guard your mental health at work because your peace deserves to be protected!
