Workplace and Mental Health

Adulting is a scam!

It is one of my favourite?jokes?because it is true in many ways.

Many of us were dying to grow up, explore the world, have our own money, and eat two pieces of meat with dinner (my?Naija?people get this one) – like all the adults we saw around us. Then you grow up and realize there is so much more to?adulting,?and a big chunk of that is working.

It has been estimated that the average person will spend a third of their life working, which means that your work life will impact the overall quality of your life, health, and general well-being. In addition, your work life will likely impact the quality of the lives of those around you - think significant other, children, family, friends, etc.

This brings us to the age-old question - How do I build a good work-life? How do I protect my mental health in the workplace?

While I am?not?an authority on this topic, I can share five tips that I have found very helpful. I hope it will help others on their journey to being mentally healthy.

1.?????Check-In

I take a few minutes periodically to check in with myself. Over time I have learnt how to accept how I feel – whether it’s mad, sad, or glad, it doesn’t matter. Knowing what I feel and sometimes why I feel that way helps me take ownership of my emotional state and understand my triggers.

One way to do this is to block a few minutes on my calendar at a time I know I would have solitude and ask myself two questions –?

• What am I feeling right now?
• Why? (It is ok to ask this multiple times till you get to the root of the feeling)

The trick is to try to be as honest with yourself as possible.

Journaling is a great way to do this (either on a paper journal, my phone’s notes pad, or an app).

2.?????Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice of being present that I picked up over time ,and for me, that includes –?

• Prayer. Meditation is a good alternative too.
• Disconnecting from work to do things that challenge/energize me (Judge Judy, music, reading, colouring, podcasting, philanthropy, side hustles, hanging out with friends and family, etc.)
• Yoga. The practice of yoga is physically and emotionally beneficial. If you are looking for beginner yoga lessons, try Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube.

3.?????Prioritize physical well-being

I have found that being physically healthy often helps me stay emotionally healthy. This may involve a range of things, such as -

• Keeping my hospital (annual physical, dental, vision, etc.) appointments no matter how busy I get – If there is a conflict, don’t cancel, reschedule!
• Getting enough sleep (this one is the hardest for me)
• Eating healthy
• Work out regularly. For folks with busy schedules who don’t have time to work out, walks are a great way to get some cardio in. For instance, try turning off your video and pace during your next Zoom meeting, use the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Get that body moving!

4.?????Put things in perspective?

I love this one! Why? It is because my brain tends to blow things out of proportion. I make one mistake at work and immediately think, “this is the end of the world”.

So, I take a step back and look at things holistically, whether that’s life, work, relationships, finance, etc. I try to think forest, not a tree.

I have found talking to people who aren’t as close to the details as I am helpful. I find that they can help me step back and look at things more broadly.?

For instance, when work is crazy, I talk to my sister. Sorry, Kemi for the 2 PM “Can you chat?” pings.

5.?????Ask for help

As much as I love feeling in charge and in control, I have learnt to ask for help. Either at work or in life in general. I have accepted that raising my hand for help is a sign of strength.?

People generally want to help and support you, so when you ask, they are more than happy to deploy their resources, contacts, and energy to help you. The beautiful thing is you can also offer the same help to others when they need it. We rise by lifting others, right?

Professional help is a big UNLOCK!?

I find that speaking to someone with the right tools and experience to help me figure things out is very helpful! I think of therapists as folks paid to listen as I verbally process the things I need to process. I also think of them as folks who can go with me to the emotional places I may not have the courage to go on my own.

While I know many folks may still shy away from professional help, I do hope you seek professional mental health support as needed. Search for a licensed professional you can talk to. Many organizations offer health coverage for mental health care. Take advantage of it if your organization offers this. There are also free resources if this is a better option for you.

The overall theme for me is I try to take care of my mental health. When I fall short, I forgive myself and try again because that is what we do, right?

I hope you find these tips helpful as you navigate your mental health in the workplace and in life.

Fi Olaifa

Consultant