How To Support Your Mental Health At Work

Our workplace is more than just a physical space. It also includes the people we interact with and it’s daily atmosphere.

It influences our self-image and how we feel about ourselves. As we spend most of our productive lives here, the work environment contributes much to our mental health. Here’re some tips on how to make it more supportive to your wellbeing.

Personalize Your Space
Give yourself a sense of ownership and identity. Add some personal items to your workspace. Decorate your desk with what delights you. A favorite mug, a pretty personal journal or planner, a photo, or a funny figure will mark your space as your own.

It's also important to include a comfortable chair, some greenery, and more lighting. These can help you feel more energized. If you feel good, you'll always be ready to take on challenges, big or small.

Create Connections

If you’re in a face-to-face environment like an office, reap the benefits of social interaction. Create and nurture friendly and helpful relationships with colleagues. Sometimes, they can double as your support group when things get tough.

If you work online, consider talking to some coworkers on video chat. Knowing you have friends at work goes a long way in bolstering your mental health.

Be Clear About Your Work Goals

No one can preserve their motivation for work if they don’t hammer out clear, achievable goals.

First, you must know the whys of what you’re doing. What are you hoping to achieve in the long run?

Second, hammer out your secondary and tertiary goals and set a timeframe. Pose specific questions to yourself like: Am I aiming to learn a new skill in six months? Which position do I want in this company three years down the line?

Being crystal clear about your larger and tinier goals strengthens mental health. Goals give you an immense sense of purpose. They also help to give you a clear focus when setbacks and challenges occur.

Your workplace’s atmosphere and management may be out of your control. Yet, you can always carve out your own way of taking care of your mental well-being. Aim for a balanced lifestyle with healthy routines. Stable daily living keeps you in tip-top shape both physically and mentally.

Photo Credit: Fannyekstrand