02 May Mental Health at Work
Workplace stress is at an all-time high. Employers struggle to retain their employees, because the environment their working in is not conducive to decreasing stress. American employers spend over $3 billion each year on healthcare costs, due to stress related illnesses. Employees are sick mentally and physically.
Promoting health and wellness at work can help increase productivity and decrease stress. It will uplevel employee engagement and morale, and promote healthy work-life balance. Employees are more creative when they’re rested and healthy.
You must be an advocate for yourself! Inquire more about your health benefits, wellness program and incentives, EAP, team building. If your company doesn’t have any of these things, ask, WHY NOT?! You can set the new standard and suggest them to your team.
Don’t eat lunch at your desk, while working. Walk away, take a break. Consume your food with mindfulness and slowness in mind.
Promote open and clear communication, but also set healthy boundaries with yourself, your co-workers, and with your boss. Protect your energy at work by not letting others dictate how you show up. You can be mindful of your energy by practicing breathwork while working, and taking short meditation breaks. This will help to calm the nervous system, increase focus, and make you more present.
Get up and move often! Sitting is the new cigarette and really increases the risk of long-term pain. Take short movement or stretch breaks every hour.
The Challenge: Next time you’re feeling stressed at work, take 5 minutes to walk about from your computer, take 3 deep breaths, and do a short stretch.