Making employee well-being a priority this World Mental Health Day

Today, on World Mental Health Day, it’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. Read on for some tips and resources to support your mental health:

Take breaks away from your workstation

Working often involves labour-intensive tasks and long hours on your feet. While you want to be diligent in your duties, don’t forget the importance of taking regular breaks.

Schedule short breaks every couple of hours to step away from your workstation. Use this time to hydrate, stretch your legs, or get a quick snack to refuel. Even a brief moment of relaxation can re-energise both your body and mind.

Staying properly hydrated is also key. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your shift to avoid fatigue. Dehydration can sap energy levels and make concentration difficult. Keep a water bottle handy to frequently replenish your fluids.

Taking occasional breaks demonstrates good self-care and time management. The short periods of rest will enhance your focus when you return to work. You’ll feel more motivated knowing a break is on the horizon.

While you want to provide excellent service, you also need to care for your personal wellbeing. Taking brief but frequent breaks will ultimately boost your performance and make the workday more enjoyable.

Seek help from a specialist

It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or struggle with your mental health at times, especially given the demands of work and life. When you are facing a challenge, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. There are professionals ready to assist you.

Take some time to look into the mental health support programmes available through your employer. At Andrews Sykes, we offer the LifeWorks programme with trained counsellors and advisors. This confidential resource can help you manage stress, improve relationships, address anxiety or depression, and more.

Don’t feel shy about reaching out. Your managers and HR team sincerely want to know if you need support. They can point you towards helpful services and adjustments that may make your work duties more manageable.

Prioritising your emotional wellbeing takes courage, but it is so important. With specialist help, you can learn new coping strategies, get to the root of issues, and take steps towards feeling like your best self again. The resources are there, so don’t be afraid to utilise them. Your health and happiness matter.

Practice mindfulness during repetitive tasks

Some tasks can be repetitive. While these duties may seem tedious, they are still an important part of your role. Practicing mindfulness during repetitive work can help make these tasks more enjoyable and boost your sense of fulfilment.

When you’re performing repetitive actions, make an effort to be fully present and aware. Focus your senses on the details of the task at hand, rather than letting your mind wander. Notice the textures, sights, sounds, and even smells involved in the activity. By tuning into the present moment, you’re less likely to go on autopilot and more likely to find moments of insight within the routine.

You can also cultivate an attitude of curiosity, exploration, and appreciation. See if you can discover something new about the steps involved, even if you’ve done them many times before. Appreciate the contribution this task makes to the overall workflow and mission of your team.

Finally, remember that bringing mindfulness to mundane work also cultivates patience, discipline, and concentration—qualities that will serve you well in all areas of life. Instead of seeing repetitive tasks as a burden, try regarding them as opportunities to practice mindfulness. You may find this reframing shifts your energy and experience.

No matter how big or small your problem may be, you should never feel you need to go through difficult times alone.

Here are some other services you can turn to outside of Andrews Sykes:

Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential, non-judgemental emotional support Your local GP and ask for an emergency appointment. You can also call 111 out of hours who will help you find the support and help you need.