Healthy at Work?

How often do you think about the quality of your health at work?

For me, it's now a habit to frequently check my mental and physical health. I read an interesting article Forbes published lately on mental health saying...

'' New data suggests that for almost 70% of people, their manager has more?impact on their mental health?than their therapist or their doctor—and it’s equal to the impact of their partner. If you’re a leader, you’re right to?find this data sobering.''

Well, I'm thinking now, who am I to challenge this piece of research from Forbes?You'll think...Chrys are you crazy? Forbes said it! However, as an individual with critical thinking I follow the science, which necessarily includes reasoned questioning of the science. Right?

My intention here is not to challenge this data, it's probably right. I just want to create some skepticism around the health mindset at work and who is responsible for that. Would it be worth saying that 100% of people, themselves have more impact on their mental health than their manager, therapist or doctor?

After, going through the lockdowns in 2020, my viewpoint has changed, and I've come to the conclusion that I prefer working toward a greater objective, accepting unforeseen obstacles, meeting deadlines, and hitting goals.

It's fantastic to take a quick break from work, but what would life be without difficulties, issues to resolve, and conflicts to overcome?

Here are five strategies I suggest if you share my perspective on handling mental and physical health outside of the conventional work-life balance:

1. Remain in your lane: Everyone has a distinct perspective on life because of their individual journey. The hassles of corporate life are often seen as a problem to be overcome, but for me, they are an enjoyable experience. In contrast to those who enjoy the city, other people may find calm in the countryside. My point is that you can change your route if you're not satisfied with your job path thus far.
2. Take care of yourself: The myth of work-life balance is not the same as self-care. Allowing yourself the time to take care of your physical and mental health is known as self-care. Self-care might rely on what you're going through, how much time you have, what relieves your stress, and what you can afford depending on who you are. It doesn't matter how you choose to take care of yourself; what matters is that you feel energized during the activity.
3. Plan your time: Make a list of everything you need to do, then schedule it all so that it becomes a routine. A plan becomes a list of chores that you might not complete without a schedule. Prioritize important behaviors like regular exercise and sleep. My mood and productivity at work are both enhanced by getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night and by exercising regularly. Review your to-do list while at work, and schedule urgent activities and important maintenance jobs for when you are most productive. Making the most of the leverage you can create with your time is one of the most crucial steps in building success. Use technology, other people, or delegation to increase the quantity of work you can accomplish.
4. Adjust your perspective: Regularly practicing gratitude can have a profoundly good effect on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. You are more likely to be content and enjoy the richness in your life if you feel appreciative. The reality is that happiness is not always reliant on outside circumstances or other people, and that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Being aware of the little things around you at work is one method to cultivate gratitude. Even if the day was difficult, at the end of the workday, write down three things that went well. Place the list where you can see it when you get there the following day, then use it to start the day.
5. Create a healthy process: Everyone who has ever had a job has, at some point, felt the burden of work-related stress, according to the American Psychological Association. Even if you enjoy what you do, any work can be difficult at times. Yet, continuous work stress can become overwhelming and be bad for your physical and mental health. You should establish a work pattern that will enable you to reset and release the pressure if you want to manage difficult situations over the long term.

An average career has a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Although employees don't stay at the same company for very long these days, toxic workplaces can develop in any organization. Hence, I think the best course of action is to occasionally tell oneself that "nothing, good or bad, lasts forever" and get back to work.