Mental health at work: understand its importance

If there is one topic that has gained increasing prominence over the years, it is mental health. And this popularization is very valid, since this topic is present in all areas of our lives.

With our increasingly fast-paced and hectic routines, it is normal for some aspects of our lives to end up being neglected due to the intense flow of work and/or studies. And mental health is the one that is most often left aside due to the rush of everyday life.

So, in today's post, we're going to explore mental health in the professional sphere and how taking good care of this area of our lives can contribute to your professional success.

What is mental health?

Mental health is, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

As our society becomes increasingly focused, people – and companies – are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining good mental health and how this affects all areas of our lives.

The importance of mental health at work

Who has never felt overwhelmed at work? Whether it be due to excessive demands, lack of ideal working conditions, meeting deadlines, low pay…
Furthermore, studies have already proven that mental health has a direct connection with employee efficiency and productivity.

All of this contributes to the emotional exhaustion of workers in the corporate environment, which can result in the development of psychological problems such as anxiety, stress and even panic attacks and depression.

Therefore, maintaining your mental health makes all the difference in how you deal with adversity and how you relate to other people, whether at work or in your personal life.

The dreaded Burnout Syndrome

Burnout syndrome has become increasingly common in corporate environments. Also known as burnout syndrome, this is a disorder that is directly linked to overwork.

Long working hours, many functions assigned to a single professional, excessive pressure from superiors and the presence of conflicts are among the main factors responsible for this syndrome, which is increasingly present in all areas of activity.

The role of managers in employee health

In addition to the individual care and attitudes of employees, superiors also play a very important role in maintaining the mental health and well-being of their employees.

It is the duty of responsible management to create a healthy work environment that prioritizes the well-being of employees.

Among the attitudes that can help are:

Develop clear and objective communication with everyone;
Motivational lectures;
Improvements in the corporate environment;
Carrying out activities such as coffee breaks and get-togethers;
Flexible working hours.

In addition to these, an increasingly common change in companies' HR is the creation of psychological support programs for employees, whether internal or through agreements and partnerships outside the company.

For companies that have already adopted this practice, it has proven to be a very efficient way of preserving employees' mental health.

How to take care of your mental health

Despite what people say, there is no magic formula that can improve your mental health overnight. What you can do is follow some very simple steps that, when put into practice together, can make all the difference to your health.

Establish a routine for your life

In this regard, following the same routine can be a positive thing. By organizing yourself well and dividing your schedule so that you have enough time to both work and focus on yourself. After all, no one deserves to have to take work home with them, right?

Give due importance to your sleep

It may seem like stating the obvious, but a good night's sleep is essential for anyone looking to maintain their mental health. So, get organized to prioritize your sleep.

In addition to helping our mental health, sleeping well also contributes to our physical health, ensuring more energy and quality of life.

Have hobbies

It may seem a little silly, but doing activities that you enjoy – even if they are super simple activities – are very good for maintaining your mental health.

At this time, anything goes: reading, listening to music, exercising, watching TV, playing with your pet, going for a walk, taking a relaxing bath, going out with friends. All of this helps to keep your mind healthy, aiding your well-being.

Disconnecting sometimes is good

Worsening sleep quality and even mistaken and meaningless comparisons – between your life and what other people post on their social networks – are just some of the harmful effects that excessive use of social networks can have on your mental health.

Stay close to those who make you feel good

You know those “friendships/relationships” that, no matter how good they may seem, deep down you know they’re not good for you? It’s time to say goodbye to them! Always try to be around those who make you feel good and who, in some way, offer positive influences in your life!

Escape from stress

I know, I know… Given the world we live in, this task is perhaps the most difficult on the list, as it is practically impossible to escape stress and stressful situations.

So, the tip is: try to control your stress. When you get stressed frequently, your mind and body begin to suffer the negative effects of this feeling.

Seek self-knowledge

And last but not least: know yourself! By undertaking this journey of self-knowledge, you can stay aligned with your own feelings, desires and even your life goals.

An increasingly common practice to help with this issue is seeking therapy. This type of treatment has proven to be very effective for those who want to learn how to take care of their mental health.