The Importance of Looking After Your Mental Health in the Workplace: Practical Tips for Balance

As the saying goes, "your health is your wealth," and in today’s fast-paced world, many working professionals lose sight of this. We spend a significant amount of our lives at work, and the importance of mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated.

As the Head of Communications, workplace mental health is a priority for me, not only to give 100% to my role but also to create a comfortable environment where my team can thrive.

Here’s why your mental health at work matters and some tips on how to maintain it effectively.

Why Workplace Mental Health Is Important

Improves Job Satisfaction

Mental well-being is strongly linked to how efficiently and effectively we work. When your mind is clear and your emotional health is intact, you're more likely to focus, stay motivated, and deliver the best results for your clients and yourself.

Builds Stronger Relationships

Good workplace mental health enables better communication and stronger connections with your team. Whether it’s a quick tea break or a half-hour Zoom chat about what you’re watching on Netflix, these connections help build trust and create a positive work atmosphere.

Boosts Creativity and Innovation

A healthy, stress-free mind is more likely to think creatively and come up with the best solutions or even a mind-blowing campaign. When you're overwhelmed, your ability to generate new ideas and solutions diminishes. Managing stress and communicating with your manager opens up space for innovation.

Tips for Maintaining Mental Health at Work

Take Regular Breaks

Taking short breaks throughout the day can significantly reduce stress levels and boost productivity. Even a five-minute walk, a stretch, or simply stepping away from your screen can refresh your mind. The Pomodoro technique, working in focused intervals followed by short breaks, can be an effective strategy for staying energised and focused throughout the day.

Create a Supportive Work Environment

Surround yourself with supportive team members, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. A supportive network can alleviate stress and provide a safety net when you're feeling overwhelmed. Open communication with managers can ease stress as it arises and defuse situations more quickly than bottling things up.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Technique

When I worked in London, I implemented a five-minute meditation each morning for team members who needed it during a particularly high-pressure time for the company. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce anxiety and increase emotional resilience. Even taking five minutes to focus on your breath can calm your mind and improve your ability to handle stressful situations. Apps like Headspace or techniques like box breathing can help you get started.

Seek Professional Support When Needed

Life is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and there’s no shame in asking for help when things get tough. If you’re experiencing ongoing stress, anxiety, or depression, seeking professional help from a therapist can provide the tools you need to navigate these challenges. Our wonderful client, IACP - Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy , offers a “Find a Therapist” tool, which helps you locate an accredited therapist who’s right for you.https://www.iacp.ie/

Mental health, both in the workplace and in our personal lives, is something we need to work on every day. By incorporating small, mindful practices into your daily routine and seeking support when necessary, you can build resilience, improve productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, your mental health is not just about surviving the workday, it’s about thriving both in and outside of work.

Stephanie Stafford , Head of Communications Fuzion