Pause, Breathe and Check In with Yourself

August was Happiness Happens Month, but I’d be a little jaded if I were to only focus on the positive. I’ve said it before—life is like a roller coaster and it has its ups and downs.

Since we’ve talked about the highs, let’s dive into the lows. You’ll learn what to do if you’re dealing with low mental health; not only at work and in leadership positions but this is good for life in general.

Before we start if you haven’t yet take a moment to pause, breathe and check in with yourself.

You’re Feeling Low and It’s Impacting Your Work. Now What?

We call off work for an injury or car trouble and our peers don’t bat an eye. Call off due to a bit of anxiety, depression or grief, and suddenly your boss thinks you’re not capable of a promotion. How can you navigate these murky waters and still feel confident in your career progression?

• Know your personal signs of burnout, stress, depression, anger or even substance abuse. When I’m quick to react and a little less patient, I know I need a bit of a break before things start to get worse. Siesta Key usually calls my name.?
• Keep an eye out for signs of hopelessness around your work. This can be a sign of a period of low mental health for some. Reach out for positive feedback or review a previous project that you’re proud of.
• Talk to HR, a trusted peer, coworker or leader. HR isn’t always the answer, as they usually are there to protect the employer, not the employee. I’ve found talking with direct supervisors is most effective (as long as it’s safe to chat!)
• Use the DEAR Method. Describe, explain, assert and reinforce your feelings and needs.?

• See if your employer offers an EAP, or employee assistance program. You may have access to a few free therapy sessions that can help you sort through things.
• Be flexible with your version of mental health. You might not need a whole month off. Maybe you just need to take half-days on Fridays for a few weeks while you process. Be open and flexible in carving out the time to heal.

Creating a Safe Psychological Workplace

?? Where are my managers, founders and supervisors?

You might not be aware of this, so get ready. According to the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology , a “range of positive mental health effects [are]... associated with transformational leadership.”?

TL:DR—the way you lead is directly related to your employee’s mental health.?

Not to mention, creating a safe psychological workplace is one of those things you can’t put on a spreadsheet but impacts your bottom line.?

I asked one of my team members for feedback on my leadership style. I’m super happy that I’m doing pretty well for my crew of freelancers that help me run my businesses. That being said, I’ve done some digging, on top of what I already know, so you can do the same for your peers.

• Show your vulnerability and human side. We don’t have all of the answers all of the time, but you can work with your team and guide them to the right ones.?
• Be a role model. Don’t be afraid to be mistaken. Being able to learn and make errors is what fosters creativity. When you let yourself and your team feel free to grow and learn, that’s where true psychology safety is planted.
• Listen more than you talk. Your staff wants three things: you to listen, to be heard, and your understanding. All without the fear of being ousted at work.?

???????????????? The Blended Podcast: A Safe Place for DEI

Creating a safe workplace is a delicate dance between a spider web of people! It’s the same number for creating a visible change in terms of DEI. Want to join the movement? Click here.

Oh, and hey friends! Stay tuned for more episodes of The Blended podcast ! We're talking about the differences between acceptance and inclusion, and what that could mean for the future. Can't wait to share more with you!

Note: This newsletter was inspired by NPR's Life Kit