Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace: A Guide to Self-Care

Prioritizing mental health can be difficult, especially in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important! Our mental well-being significantly impacts our productivity, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Plus, by taking care of your mental health in the workplace you not only benefit yourself but also help create a more harmonious and positive work environment. Let’s look at some ways that you can care for your mental health in the workplace.

Tune into your own mental state

Sometimes we are so caught in the hamster wheel of life that we aren’t even aware of how we are feeling mentally and emotionally. The first step to prioritizing your mental health is learning to tune into where you are at. Once we are able to recognize the signs of stress, anxiety, or burnout, we can be proactive in addressing them head-on.

Establish Boundaries:

At Klang, we are firm believers in the idea that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for your mental health. Setting boundaries is a vital part of cultivating that good work-life balance! Set clear boundaries between your personal and professional life (yes, this means not looking at Slack when you are not working!). Avoid bringing work-related stress home, and dedicate your free time to activities you enjoy (this can be as simple as watching a movie you love or as elaborate as planning a hiking vacation in the mountains). When you allow yourself to fully disconnect from work during your downtime, you can tap into deeper relaxation.

Take Regular Breaks:

Incorporating regular breaks into your work routine can do wonders for your mental health! Just stepping away from your desk for a few minutes can help reduce stress and improve focus. We recommend using this time to stretch, walk around, or engage in a calming activity (like making a cup of tea). Plus, if possible, take advantage of vacation days to recharge and fully disconnect from work.

Prioritize Self-Care Activities:

There are a lot of different activities that you can engage in that help promote self-care and relaxation outside of work. This includes things like hobbies, spending time with loved ones, pursuing interests that bring you joy, meditation, and more. At Klang, we like to try and incorporate some of these activities into our weekly work-life. For example, Linda, our Junior Talent Acquisition Manager, leads a 15-minute morning meditation session for Klangers some weeks. This helps them decompress and find their inner balance before they start their day. We also give our employees a subscription to the Calm app, which has a bunch of great guided meditations, sleep stories, and more!

Seek Professional Help if Needed:

If your mental health concerns persist or worsen (or if you just feel like you could use some support), consider seeking professional help. A mental health professional or therapist can provide guidance and support and can help you brainstorm strategies that are tailored to your specific needs. We are happy to offer Klangers access to ICAS Employee Assistance Program. Through this program, our employees get access to 24/7 counseling (by phone or live chat) as well as personal face-to-face counseling. Don’t hesitate to ask your employer about available mental health resources or employee assistance programs. Try incorporating some of these tactics into your daily work life and see how they can help you create a happier and healthier work environment for yourself and your colleagues! Remember, you deserve to thrive both professionally and personally, and taking care of your mental health is an essential step in achieving that balance.