Blue Monday & mental health at work

For many of us, work is a significant part of our lives. It’s where we spend most of our time and even where we make friends. Having a fulfilling job can be good for our mental health and general wellbeing. Unfortunately, not every day can be all fun and games. Blue Monday aka the most depressing day of the year can be one of those days. Unless you decide it won’t be! We’ve got some tips to get you through the blues and look after your mental health at work!

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1.?????? TALK ABOUT IT

Talking is a great way to release tension. It lets you cope with a problem you might’ve been carrying around for some time. Maybe a colleague can help you find a solution. Just being listened to can help you feel supported and less lonely. You might even encourage other colleagues by setting a good example! As an employer you can organize a mental health week full of tips and tricks to cope with more challenging times. Longer breaks for a therapy session or virtual (apps or videocalls) life coaching sessions are other examples of ways to encourage talking about feelings at work.

2.?????? MOVE!

Exercise releases chemicals (endorphins) in our brain that make us feel good. Regular movement can boost your self-esteem, help you concentrate and make you sleep better. These are all ingredients for better workdays! Exercising is not only going to the gym or jogging for hours. Walks in the park or morning yoga sessions are also great ways to get your body moving. A change of scenery can inspire your creativity or be a moment to bond with colleagues. So, make sure to move, it’ll keep your brain and other vital organs healthy.

3.?????? WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

We tend to go for more “comfort foods” on days like Blue Monday. Choosing a healthier food option, can positively impact our daily mental wellbeing. There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel. Our brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. Free water, weekly fruit deliveries,… are all ways to encourage healthy eating habits at the office.

4.?????? TAKE A BREAK

Whether it’s a lunchbreak or a two-week holiday, we all need a break sometimes. Winter days are very short: ?it’s dark outside when you leave to go to work and come back home. So, it’s only normal for you to need a little (sunny) break. This can be before your lunchbreak, to go buy something to eat or after, to stretch your legs. Make sure to get some daylight in for your daily dose of vitamin D! A longer break is also recommended to fully unplug and relax. Staycation or a week in the tropical sun? Whatever you need to fully recharge! A change of scene and a change of pace is good for your mental health.

5.?????? WORK FROM HOME

Homeworking and other types of flexible work are sensitive topics. Everyone has a different view and opinion on it, just as individual needs can differ. Given that most of us spend the better part of our days at work, we want to be in an environment that helps us relax and feel most comfortable. For many people, working from home is more comfortable than working in the office because they can dress more casually, work from a more personalized workspace and spend less time commuting.

BONUS TIP How to protect yourself from a burnout?

?? List your “energy-drainers” and “energy-boosters” (private and work related).

?? Look through your “energy-drainers” and think about how you can change them to something positive or eliminate them.

Share this list with your managers (if you feel comfortable doing so).

? Learn to detect your limits and know when you’re close to reaching it instead of continuing to work until it is too late.

Many studies have shown that workplaces with high levels of mental wellbeing are more productive. People are more willing to go the extra mile if, at times when it is necessary for them, they are also allowed to slow down. Mental health support is no longer a nice-to-have but a true business imperative. When our mental health suffers, our concentration goes downhill. So, it’s very important for companies to put this on top of their priority list. Employees will be happier and this will result in a happier work environment. Mental health is the best investment because everybody wins! So, it’s possible to have happy employees, get work done and make profit!

If you enjoyed this topic, you can listen to our Hays Triangle Talk podcast episode on “Well-being at work: why a weekly fruit basket is worse than doing nothing.” here.

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