Mental Health & All that Jazz…

Burnout. Exhaustion. Overwhelm. Stress. Panic. Anxiety. Yettttt…..

These words may have become commonplace in corporate India, but the narrative is largely resigned.

One hears of young people talking about “being a corporate slave.”

Hustle and overwork seem to be the accepted mantras. Workaholics are glorified.

It is not sustainable. It is not a happy place to be. We all KNOW that.

And

It is a choice (isn’t it?)

“What can I do? This is how it is!”

The strangest thing is that even CXOs and senior leaders secretly express helplessness!

Then WHO will rescue us?

World Mental Health Day #WMHD is today, and the theme for 2024 is “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”

Are you on this bus yet?

If you are, it’s time to understand the key elements that contribute to mental health at work.

Components of Mental Health at Work:

These components are essential for creating a supportive and healthy workplace environment:

Emotional Well-being:

It refers to our ability to manage emotions and express them appropriately. Can we recognize, understand, and effectively regulate emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, and anxiety?

Psychological Well-being:

It involves cognitive functioning and our ability to handle life’s challenges. Do we have self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, autonomy, and a sense of control over our environment?

Social Well-being:

This refers to our quality of relationships and social connections. Do we have a support system, feel part of a community, and are able to build and maintain healthy relationships?

Occupational Well-being:

This refers to finding fulfillment and satisfaction in work or productive activities. Do we have a healthy balance between work demands and personal life, along with a sense of purpose in our professional role?

Physical Well-being:

Physical health is closely tied to mental well-being. Do we pay attention to proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other physical conditions as they all influence our mental health positively?

But knowing these components is only the first step. To truly prioritize mental health in the workplace, we need actionable strategies.

Quick Tips for Mental Health at Work

Here are a few practical tips to help you apply these mental health principles in the workplace:

Emotional Well-being Tips:

• Journaling: Regularly check in with yourself to identify and acknowledge your feelings.
• Practice Gratitude: Focus on positive aspects of work and express appreciation for colleagues to boost your mood.
• Take Breaks: Short, regular breaks help reset emotions and prevent frustration or overwhelm.

Psychological Well-being Tips:

• Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and look at failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Manage Stress: Use mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or one minute of deep breathing, to stay calm throughout the day.
• Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during tough times and avoid harsh self-criticism. Talk to yourself like you are your own best friend.

Social Well-being Tips:

• Team Activities: Engage in social activities, both formal and informal, to build your sense of belonging.
• Feedback: Regularly give and receive constructive feedback to strengthen your work relationships.
• Empathy: Show understanding and compassion towards your colleagues’ challenges to build trust.

Occupational Well-being Tips:

• Stay Organized: Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to reduce mental clutter and stay focused on important goals.
• Set Boundaries: Clearly define work-life boundaries to avoid burnout and recharge yourself. Say no, if needed.
• Find Meaning: Take on projects that interest you and align with your values, skills, and personal growth.

Physical Well-being Tips:

• Sleep: Quit doomscrolling and get your beauty sleep of minimum 7-8 hours a day.
• Nutrition: Pay attention to what you eat & drink and when. Stay hydrated. Avoid skipping meals or eating late at night.
• Exercise: Daily exercise ensures there are enough happiness hormones to keep you mentally fit.
• Repeat: Remember, work can come and go, but the body and mind have to last a lifetime!

Prioritizing mental health in the workplace isn’t just a necessity—it’s a game changer. But here’s the question: What’s the first small change you’ll make today to start this journey? Whether it’s setting boundaries, taking mindful breaks, or fostering stronger connections with your team, each step counts.

Are you ready to make mental health a priority at work? The impact could be more powerful than you think. Let’s start the conversation and build a workplace where well-being truly comes first.

Yoshita Swarup Sharma

Founder & CEO – A Brighter Life | ICF Certified Executive Coach  | Leadership facilitator | NLP Practitioner| Inner Transformation Specialist

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly” Yoshita lives life by the famous lines of Richard Bach. She is a management graduate from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management and economics graduate From Hansraj College, Delhi University. She has been an accomplished marketing professional before embarking on a second career in the domain of people transformation.

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