World Mental Health Day: Workplace Well-being Tips

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, a global reminder of the importance of mental well-being. This year’s theme is particularly relevant: “It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace.” For many of us, the workplace is where we spend a significant portion of our time, and if our mental health needs aren’t taken care of there, it can spill over into our personal lives.

stress handwritten text on white printer paper

If we don’t prioritize our mental well-being at work, it can lead to burnout, overwhelm, and a decline in our overall happiness. Work should fit into your life, not the other way around. It’s crucial to find balance, to know your limits, and to understand that working longer hours—even with more pay—doesn’t always lead to fulfillment. In fact, it can be detrimental to your mental health. MID WEEK MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS

Overworking may seem like a badge of honor, but it often comes at a steep cost. When you say yes to every request, volunteer for every project, and allow work to take over your life, you might find yourself stuck in a cycle of burnout. Your kindness and willingness to go above and beyond can sometimes lead to more duties being piled on you. Before you know it, your workload feels overwhelming, and your personal time starts to disappear.

This constant hustle can lead to anxiety, stress, and even physical health problems. You may start noticing that your patience runs thin, you have trouble sleeping, or you feel like you’re never truly able to relax. Over time, the emotional toll of this imbalance can affect your relationships, your hobbies, and your sense of self.

Set boundaries. Know when to say no, and recognize that you can’t be everything to everyone at work. It’s okay to prioritize your own needs and to step back from tasks that threaten to overwhelm you. You deserve a workplace where your mental health is respected and supported.

Side Note: Boundaries aren’t to punish others. It’s protecting both, you and the other person. As a pastor cleverly said “I won’t let anyone cross my boundaries, but I won’t cross them either.”

Learning to prioritize your mental health at work doesn’t mean you’re not committed to your job—it means you’re committed to your overall well-being. A healthy work-life balance is key to long-term happiness, productivity, and success. When you take care of your mind, you’ll find that you’re more focused, creative, and energized to tackle your work.

Work-Life Balance and Mental Health

Mental health is not just about managing stress or taking a break when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s about building a sustainable work-life balance that allows you to thrive in both your professional and personal life. That balance looks different for everyone, but it often includes:

  • Taking breaks: Don’t skip lunch, and make sure you step away from your desk throughout the day.
  • Setting limits: Know when to log off and stop answering emails after work hours.
  • Prioritizing self-care: Whether it’s exercising, meditating, or simply spending time with family, make time for activities that recharge you.
  • Asking for help: If you’re struggling, reach out. Whether it’s a manager, HR, or a mental health professional, don’t be afraid to ask for support.

If your mental health needs at work aren’t being addressed, it doesn’t just stay at the office. It affects your personal life, your relationships, and how you feel day-to-day. The stress you carry from work can make you less present with your loved ones, less engaged in your hobbies, and more prone to emotional exhaustion.

On the flip side, when you prioritize mental health at work, you’ll notice improvements in your private life too. You’ll feel more fulfilled, more balanced, and more capable of enjoying the things and people that matter most to you.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to making mental health a priority—especially in the workplace. You deserve a work environment that supports your well-being, one that values your mental health as much as your productivity. Remember: you don’t have to sacrifice your mental health for work. Work should fit into your life, not the other way around.

Take the time to set boundaries, say no when necessary, and listen to what your mind and body need. Your mental health is a priority—not just for World Mental Health Day but every day.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

#WorldMentalHealthDay
#PrioritizeYourself
#MentalHealthAtWork
#WorkLifeBalance

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2023

Today isn’t just for those who are suffering or going through something. World mental health day is for people to increase their awareness, knowledge, and understanding regarding mental health. There are many stigmas, still, regarding mental health. On this world mental health day, here are a couple of reminders to keep in mind.

the phrase mental health on a sheet of fabric

-You don’t have to be clinically diagnosed to experience anxiety, depression, panic attack, or any other type of disorder. Our everyday life experiences may cause us to have a bout of anxiety or depression. It doesn’t have to be something big or major life event. I had a coworker just express how she wasn’t doing well. It wasn’t anything specific. But she said I turned 60 this year, mom just passed, dealing with insurance and packing her home, my daughter turned 18, I’m in a long distance relationship and I don’t know if I should downsize or move. Sorting through all that at once does takes away some of the spunk she usually has.

-Mental illness doesn’t have a “look”. We should get rid of this idea that there is a look. Often times it’s the least person we expect to battle a mental health issue.

-Fighting through pain and tears isn’t a sign of strength . Actually saying I’m tired, stressed, need a break, confused, have too much going on, feel off, is a sign of strength. Just think back to when someone found out you were going through something and you didn’t tell them right away, they were upset . Why? Because they wanted to help. They love and care for you. Even if it’s just to be an ear. You’re never alone.

-Your courage to speak up and say “I’m not ok” will inspire others to say “you know I’m not either.” That goes for women and men. Then guess what, you all can work through and be each other support systems. You don’t have to do it alone. 6 MENTAL HEALTH REMINDERS FOR BAD DAYS

-Find you a safe space. Most people probably grew up with a family or environment where saying I’m not ok wasn’t supported or welcomed. Therefore, they learned to suppress and deny their feelings. Find a friend or two, coworker, journal, pastor, or even stranger. I’ve come to learn most of the time we just want to get it out . No response needed. A solution doesn’t need to be offered. Just hear me out. I don’t know how many times working from home and talking to people all over the country I had lengthy conversations with. I’m talking 2 hours. Yes, I eventually got a policy written, but allowing them to vent their frustration and anger, validating their feelings, and offering encouragement through sharing something similar left them with hope and motivation. Many times I heard thank you for listening and talking to me. I can’t talk to my family because they just blow me off. Sometimes talking to strangers is easier than talking to family. No judgement, fear, or gaslighting.

-Learn to cope through the experiences and emotions. Acknowledge whatever you are feeling or thinking. Ask yourself why am I feeling like this or responding in this manner. What do I need to feel better. Is it attainable. If not, how can I ensure I’m ok without it. What can I do on a daily to help me mentally prepare myself. Denying or delaying your emotions only makes it snow ball. Which can lead to other unhealthy behaviors.

-There’s absolutely nothing wrong with talking to a therapist. Some go monthly, weekly, or when needed. One day at work a coworker said I’m going to be late coming back from lunch because I needed an appointment with a therapist. I’m just crying too much and overly emotional. PERFECT!!!!!!

If you feel ok that is amazing and awesome. Please share with others how you do it. In the meantime, check on your loved ones. Those that are short fused, always seem triggered, overly emotional, not showing any emotion, angry all the time, never have anything good to say, sleeping too much, not sleeping at all, drinking or binge eating, no appetite, always happy, never angry or sad, nothing ever bothers them, or withdrawn all needs to be checked on.

Lastly, on this world mental health day, check in with you. You come first. Make sure you’re available, overflowing, and whole before pouring into someone else. How are you doing? What do you need? Nothing is ever too small or too big.

World mental health day is a day for us to increase awareness, understanding, and knowledge to support ourselves and others.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.