How To Protect Your Mental Health At Work.

This issue to me is very important.

In today's fast paced work environment. mental health is becoming more of a priority but there is still a long way to go.

While organizations are beginning to recognize the importance of supporting mental health, it is equally important for each of us to take personal responsibility of our own mental health and that of our teammates.

The workplace can be a stressful environment, from the battlefield to the boardroom. By adopting proactive strategies, we can create a more supportive and resilient culture.

PRIORITIZE SELF AWARENESS AND SELF CARE:

Like I always say "You can't pour from any empty cup." Mental health starts with self awareness. You can not address if issues if you don't recognize something is wrong.

Pay attention to how you are feelings and take note of all changes in your mood, stress levels and what triggered those feelings. Are you constantly feeling overwhelmed? Are you more irritable than usual? These could be signs that you are experiencing burnout and stress.

Self care IS NOT selfish: it is essential. Make sure you are taking the time to recharge. This might mean setting boundaries between work and personal times, especially if you work from home.

Make sure you engage in fun activities that you enjoy, or taking short breaks during the day to reset.

A well-rested and healthy mind is far more productive and creative than one running on fumes. Encourage your teammates to do the same by normalizing the conversation around self care. Business owners and Managers are your listening?

PROMOTE OPEN COMMUNICATION:

When I was with GNC I always had an open door policy.

Work place culture plays a significant role in mental health. In environments where employees feel they can't speak openly, stress tends to accumulate fast and someone might go postal.

Encouraging open communication is a powerful way to build a supportive team. This doesn't mean we have to share every personal detail of our lives, but it does mean that we should feel safe expressing when we are struggling or need help.

Leaders. and managers should set the tone by leading with vulnerability Joshua B. Lee is amazing at this. When you are transparent about your own challenges, it gives others permission to be honest about theirs.

Create spaces where people feel heard, whether it is through one on ones check ins or team meetings where mental health is openly discussed.

When employees feel their mental health is acknowledged and valued, they are more likely to engage and perform at their best. Managers, when was the last time you called and talked to your teammate about something OTHER than work and asked them "How are you REALLY doing."

BIG ONE! RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS IN OTHERS:

I am alive because a special someone recognized the signs of PTSD and got me to safety.

One of the most powerful ways to protect your team's metal health is by being aware of the signs of stress or mental health struggles in others. When Football player Junior Seau took his life his teenaged daughter said "If I only would have seen the sings he might still be here."

Pay attention to changes in behavior, such as a normally cheerful colleague becoming withdrawn or someone who is typically reliable starting to miss deadlines.

If you notice these signs DO NOT be afraid to reach out. Sometimes a simple "How are you doing today?" can make a world of difference. Approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment, making sure the person knows that you have their back.

You don't need to have all the answers, but offering a listening ear can help someone feel less isolated. I tell my friends "I'd rather hear your problems than your eulogy."

MANGERS THIS IS FOR YOU...ENCOURAGE FLEXIBILITY AND WORK LIFE BALANCE:

Work-life balance is a buzz word that gets thrown around a lot especially after Covid-19, but it is crucial for mental health. Overworking and unrealistic expectations can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

As a team, encourage flexibility in working hours and tasks. Dowa Frank really have to get off late every Friday night? Can't someone cover for him every once in a while so he can have a semblance of a long weekend?

Everyone has their own rhythms for productivity some work best in the mornings, not me, others in the afternoon. Allowing people to work when they are most productive helps reduce stress and improves overall job satisfaction.

Leaders should encourage taking (PTO) or personal time off, whether it is a mental health day or an extended vacation to recharge, cruises anyone? lol. It is important to lead by example: when team members see their leaders taking time to decompress, they are more likely to feel comfortable doing the same.

PROVIDE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS:

Make sure your workplace has accessible mental health resources. Whether it is EAP.s Employee Assistance Plans, access to therapy, or wellness workshops like Jon Macaskill holds, having these resources available ensures employees can get help when they NEED it. organization

If your company does not offer formal programs, suggest external reliable programs like local mental health organizations or online counseling services like BetterHelp . Additionally, creating peer support networks can make a difference.

Encouraging mentorship programs or peer to peer support initiatives employers can provide employees with a sense of community and make it easier to discuss mental health challenges in a safe and confidential environment.

SOOOOOOOOOO......

Remember, protecting mental health is an ongoing process, not a one time thing, By working together, we can create a culture that supports both individual well-being and collective success. Let's continue to lead from the front, support our team, and make mental health a priority.

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As Always Thank You ;) For Being A HUGE Part Of Our Success And Letting Us Be A Small Part Of Yours.

P,S To Buy Our Top Selling Book On This Subject Got To www.verticalmomentumpodcast.com

Thank You,

Your Friend,

Richard Kaufman