Looking after your mental health at work for optimum wellbeing

For many people, mental health is a taboo subject. To some, suffering in silence is a source of embarrassment or even shame. We tend to bottle away our anxiety, not wishing to create a burden for others. And all too often, we suffer in silence. But mental health is certainly a topic that merits discussion.

Mental health issues are more common than you might think. In Hong Kong, a recent study indicates that around one person in every seven lives with a mental illness, and almost three quarters of those affected don’t seek medical help. And globally, 45% of people from 31 countries who responded to a survey by Ipsos said that mental health was their number one concern. Put simply, looking after one’s mental health is just as important as protecting yourself from physical accidents and illnesses.

It goes without saying that if you are suffering from serious mental health issues, you should always seek advice from a medical professional. But when it comes to coping with work-related stress, there are some actions you can take that may help you feel better so you can regain your focus and drive.

In any stressful situation, but particularly at work, you can quickly feel overwhelmed. Deadlines loom, the pressure mounts and you feel you will be letting down your entire team. In these situations, you should try to gain a sense of perspective. Speak to your co-workers and ask your manager to help you prioritise tasks. The world isn’t going to stop turning if you miss a few deliverables, but as long as you are open and transparent, the problem can be shared.

Another way to reduce stress at work is to get more exercise. Hiking at the weekends with friends and family is a positive activity, but the real benefits come when you exercise often. According to the Mental Health Foundation, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of depression by up to 30%. Try going swimming or to the gym in the morning or after work, if possible. But even just going for a walk after dinner each evening will make a positive impact on your fitness. The important thing is to get into a routine and build up consistency.

Closely related to exercise is the need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Not only will this help you keep off excess weight, which is good for your heart, you’ll get more of the nutrients you need to stay healthy and focused at work. Avoid junk food, which is loaded with excess salt and sugar. Instead try making meat-light, home-cooked meals, cut down on alcohol and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Getting enough sleep is also critical for maintaining good mental health and overall wellbeing. According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep has demonstrated links to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other conditions. If you aren’t getting enough rest, the chances are it will affect how you are in the workplace, which can add to poor mental health.

Finally, consider purchasing health insurance for peace of mind. Not only will healthcare insurance protect you and your loved ones from the financial strain caused by illness or associated treatment, you can relax knowing that you are covered for an array of medical situations, leaving you to focus on your recovery.

As the old adage goes, a healthy body makes a healthy mind. In these days of high-pressure, stressful situations in the workplace, take some time to focus on maintaining good physical and mental health. Because, over the long term, your happiness and wellbeing are what matter in life.

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