Your Mental Wellbeing Matters, Let's Shatter The Silence

1 in 4 people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities and learn and work effectively. It is so important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. This article will explore mental health in the workplace, how employees are suffering and top tips to help improve your wellbeing at work and in general.?

The most common cause of stress is work-related stress, with 79% saying they frequently experience it, the top two causes being their workload and lack of support. 61% of UK employees said they have left a job or planned to leave in the next 12 months because of poor mental health… it might come as a surprise, but people take more time off to deal with mental illness than anything else!?

Poor workplace mental health costs UK employers around ￡56 billion every year, with a 25% increase since 2019.

It might feel difficult to find the time to prioritise your mental health when you’re at work, especially if you do a busy or fast-paced job, but your health, whether it be your physical or mental should take precedence! Just doing one or two little things a day to support your well-being can make a massive impact!?

Here are some simple but effective top tips to support your wellbeing at work:

• Reclaim your lunch break – Most if not all jobs will have a 30–60-minute lunch break written into the contract… take it. Having a break not only makes you feel more productive when you come back, but it gives you a chance to have a bite to eat, make a drink and do something for yourself. You could set yourself a goal to complete a midday mile at least 3 times a week and plan a route a mile from your office door.?
• Whistle while you work – If you’re feeling stressed, listen to a calming song for a few minutes… it’s proven to encourage relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Write a To-Do list – When your thoughts are down on paper, you might find it easier not to think about work… setting clear boundaries between work and home is super important!

Prioritising your mental well-being outside of the workplace is as equally important, as it enables us to live, long, healthy and purposeful lives. There are lots of things you can do to maintain and improve your mental wellbeing:

• Socialise with people face to face, not just over the phone – Spend time with family, go out for the day with your friends or volunteer at a local school or community group.
• Get out of the house and exercise – Go for a run around the block or go to a yoga class. Don’t feel like you have to go to the gym 7 days a week… find an activity/sport that you will enjoy and that works around your lifestyle.
• Learn a new skill – Find something new to cook (having a healthy, balanced diet will also help your mind), take on a DIY project (maybe Lego or fixing something broken) or consider signing up for an online course on something that you’re interested in!

Prioritising your health is key. Speaking to someone (professional, a family member/friend, a colleague or a mental health first aider) about your stresses or problems can lift a massive weight and it’s often the people closest to you that are a valuable source of support.?

There are numerous organisations that offer free and confidential support, so don’t be afraid to speak out! Check out these links below:

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

Website: www.rethink.org

Cruse Bereavement Care

Telephone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.cruse.org.uk/home