Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? For many Americans, the workplace can be a source of frustration and stress, negatively impacting our mental health. However, there are ways one can mitigate these feelings at work and strive for better balance. Here are five ways you can work towards prioritizing mental wellness in the workplace!
1. Dive Into Resources
There are many resources to aid in taking care of your mental health. First, delve into your healthcare plan to see if therapy is covered or if wellness perks like acupuncture and massage fall under an FSA or HSA account. Be sure to schedule appointments in advance and leave ample time in your day so you can be present and not rushed.
Outside of professional medical resources, there are many podcasts, webinars, and articles online to help one learn more about mental health at work. There is no one “right” approach, so look for resources that align with your concerns or areas of interest.
2. Get Outside
Time outside of the workspace is key to staying healthy and happy at work. Whether you're working out or sitting on a bench having coffee, fresh air is good for the soul. Click here to read about how you can incorporate more outdoor time into the workday.
3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Less time on non-essential tasks equals more time for you to focus on your mental wellbeing at work! Sometimes the smallest items on our to-do lists can take up the most space. In a shared workspace, you have built-in support so you can worry less and focus on what matters. At AdvantEdge Workspaces, let client services coordinators screen calls, receive packages, and troubleshoot tech issues. With the pressure off to handle everything, you can approach each workday with a clearer mind.
4. Rest + Recharge
Taking advantage of paid time off policies (or giving yourself a day if self-employed) isn’t just for beach vacations or attending another wedding. Personal days are important for resetting without the pressure of needing to be online, checking emails, and responding to messages. A personal day can be for any reason, from working on your mental health to accomplishing personal admin tasks like virtual appointments and grocery shopping. Whatever the reason, give yourself permission to take a break to focus on yourself.
5. Create a Happy Space
There is no reason why your workspace can’t feel like a sanctuary! Adding familiar touches makes your area feel less like a place you visit for eight hours each day and more like an extension of yourself. Paint the walls, add photos, hang up framed quotes, buy a plant, or bring in a soft blanket for a quick transformation. At AdvantEdge Workspaces, your workspace is a canvas to design however you would like. You want to work in a space that invokes a happy feeling!
Above all, it is important to work in a space that prioritizes mental wellness. If in a leadership position, advocate for resources, encourage people to take time off, and foster a culture of kindness and understanding. When it comes to your physical workspace, choose a setting that provides support and amenities. At AdvantEdge, we want every client to feel good in our workspaces. Change up the decor, recharge outside, lean on our team for support, and find numerous ways to de-stress throughout the day. Click below to learn more!