Balancing self-care and career: Key mental health tips to sustainable success

In recent times, the increasing awareness of the importance of mental health has sparked an interest in re-evaluating what exactly is true success. ?

Achieving a successful career in today’s demanding world leaves individuals with almost no time for personal well-being. Being so caught up in the whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and peer pressure, people tend to feel that prioritizing their own self is only selfish. However, what’s important is to realize that nurturing and prioritizing one’s mental health is as important as having a fulfilling life, for sustainable career growth. ?

If you’re wondering how to prioritize self-care in this modern world while also achieving a successful career, you’re in the right place. Founder and CEO at BabyOrgano, Riddhi Sharma shares how the entire concept of self-care is very new to India. However, after the pandemic, people started shifting their focus towards self-care. Specifically in the Indian context, achieving a work-life balance can seem challenging due to the existing gender roles and societal expectations. ?

As professionals climb the corporate ladder, the constant pressure to excel has given rise to stress, anxiety, and wide-ranging mental health issues. ?

Studies suggest that 34% of women quit their jobs because of issues related to work-life balance. Statistics highlight the big impact of inadequate self-care practices on individuals in the workplace. Neglecting self-care can affect individual growth and talent. In the context of the workplace, self-care initiatives like flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and effective mental health support can help employees grow professionally and personally. ?

Work-life imbalance can create immense pressure for a working mother, making it increasingly difficult to manage the demands of both her professional and personal life. Long hours at the office often lead to exhaustion, leaving little time for meaningful interactions with her children. This lack of presence can trigger feelings of guilt and inadequacy, as she worries about not being there for important moments in her children’s lives. Over time, this relentless cycle can spiral into anxiety and depression, as the emotional burden of juggling work deadlines and parenting responsibilities becomes overwhelming. The frustration of not being able to fulfill expectations in either realm often leads to anger, which can negatively impact her relationships at home. Additionally, the struggle to balance these competing priorities can foster a sense of isolation, making it even harder to seek support. Ultimately, this imbalance not only affects her well-being but also complicates her ability to nurture her children, creating a challenging home environment that lacks the harmony and connection she deeply desires.?

The mental health condition of individuals highly impacts their personal lives, often hampering their productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. If not managed at the right time, stress and burnout can creep in, leading to detrimental consequences on one’s career trajectory. ?

The World Health Organization highlights that 12 billion working days are lost due to increasing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, significantly affecting productivity. Therefore, balancing mental health alongside your career is extremely important in fostering a healthy work environment. ?

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What is this interconnected nature of career success and mental health??

Enhanced resilience and coping skills – A healthy mind helps you build resilience, allowing you to bounce back from setbacks and effectively deal with workplace challenges. Remember, resilience is the key to boosting productivity and motivation when faced with adversities. ?

Improved focus and concentration – Mental well-being positively impacts all cognitive functions like focus, concentration, and the process of decision-making. When you are mentally well, you can better prioritize your tasks, solve problems efficiently, and stay engaged in your work.?

Positive interpersonal relationships – Mental wellbeing helps foster positive relationships with your colleagues, supervisors, and clients. It also enhances communication, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills, leading to better collaboration and teamwork.?

Enhanced emotional intelligence – Mental wellbeing is closely linked to emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. These qualities are highly valued in the workplace and lead to effective leadership, teamwork, and decision-making.?

10 tips to foster mental wellbeing?

Digital Detox Days?

• Schedule regular breaks from screens and social media to reduce information overload and recharge mentally.?

2. Mind Mapping for Clarity?

• Use mind mapping to organize thoughts and ideas, helping to visualize goals and reduce overwhelm.?

3. Gratitude Jar?

• Maintain a gratitude jar where you add notes about positive experiences or achievements to reflect on during tough times.?

4. Nature Breaks?

• Take short breaks outdoors, even if just for a few minutes, to reconnect with nature and boost your mood.?

5. Creative Outlets?

• Explore creative hobbies like painting, writing, or music to express emotions and relieve stress.?

6. Personal Development Challenges?

• Set monthly challenges (e.g., learn a new skill or read a specific number of books) to promote growth and motivation.?

7. Mindful Commuting?

• Use your commute time for mindfulness practices, such as listening to calming podcasts or audiobooks.?

8. Embrace 'No' Moments?

• Practice saying no to additional responsibilities that don't align with your priorities, protecting your time and energy.?

9. Weekly Reflection Sessions?

• Set aside time each week to reflect on achievements, challenges, and goals to maintain focus and clarity.?

10. Connect Through Random Acts of Kindness?

• Engage in small acts of kindness in the workplace to build connections and foster a supportive environment.?

How can Career Success impact your Mental Well-being??

1.?????? Increased self-esteem and confidence: Achieving career milestones can boost self-esteem and confidence, creating a positive self-image and a sense of accomplishment.?

2. Sense of purpose and meaning: Succeeding in your career and achieving your goals helps you develop a sense of purpose and meaning, thereby contributing to overall life satisfaction and mental well-being.?

3.?Financial stability contributing to reduced stress: Success generally leads to financial stability, which can relieve stress related to financial concerns and provide a sense of security.?

4. Fulfillment of aspirations and goals: Career success makes you feel a sense of fulfillment of your aspirations and ambitions, instantly driving contentment and happiness.?

5. Enhanced social connection: Career success can expand your social networks, increase networking opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging within professional communities, enhancing social connection and support.?

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In conclusion, the relationship between mental health and career success is undeniable. As we work our way through the complexities of modern work life, it’s important to recognize that prioritizing our mental well-being is not just a personal responsibility but a professional necessity. By fostering a culture that values self-care and mental health, organizations can empower their employees to excel both personally and professionally.?

As individuals, embracing self-care practices and advocating for supportive workplace environments can lead to enhanced resilience, improved productivity, and stronger interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, achieving a harmonious balance between career ambitions and mental health will pave the way for sustainable success and a more fulfilling life. Let’s commit to redefining success—not just by what we achieve, but by how we care for ourselves along the journey.?