MENTAL hEALTH AWARENESS mONTH
As we transition from R U Ok? Day, we approach Mental Health Awareness Month and Work Health and Safety Month. It is valuable to acknowledge that Work Health and Safety (WHS) encompasses mental health, highlighting the importance of prioritising mental and physical well-being.
“Self-care is the practice of taking care of ourselves so that we can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well.” (Self-care for mental health and wellbeing, Lifeline, https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/techniques/self-care-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing)
The goal of self-care is to help us feel happy, manage stress, ensure physical and psychological safety, build strong social connections, and lower the risk of disease and illness, as highlighted in Lifeline’s article titled “Self-Care for Mental Health and Wellbeing,”.
Here are some tips to incorporate self-care into your routine:
- Balanced Diet: Maintain a nutritious diet to support overall health.
- Resting: Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep.
- Spending Time with Loved Ones: Nurture your relationships and connect with those who matter to you.
- Engage in Hobbies: Pursue activities that you enjoy and that bring you joy.
- Exercise: Exercise releases "feel-good" chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin, which can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost memory.
- Journaling: Journaling can positively impact mental health by helping you accept and process emotions, reflect, and identify necessary next steps.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and feelings. Taking breaks helps recharge, reset, and enhance productivity and motivation.
- Seek Support: If feeling overwhelmed, seek support from co-workers or managers to manage your workload and make necessary adjustments.
- Manage Workload Effectively: Prioritize tasks, use to-do lists and time management tools, and break tasks into smaller steps to handle your workload efficiently.
Mental Health in the Workplace
The workplace often becomes a second home for many, impacting mental health significantly. Supporting mental well-being can improve team morale, reduce burnout, and aid in employee retention. Creating a culture of care involves more than just asking questions; it’s about consistently offering support and resources. Here are some keyways employers and colleagues can promote mental health:
- Open Environment: Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health.
- Encourage Conversation: Regular check-ins with managers can help identify where support may be needed.
- Provide Resources: Offer mental health support options such as guides, tips, mental health services, or hotlines.
- Flexible Work Options: Flexible work arrangements can help employees manage stress and achieve a better work-life balance.
- Promote Self-Care: Encourage practices such as exercise, healthy sleeping habits, a balanced diet, and other self-care methods.
Integrating these self-care practices can make a significant difference in managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook. For example, it’s found that setting aside time for regular exercise and journaling can help you stay grounded during busy periods.
As we move forward into Mental Health Awareness Month, let's remember the importance of checking in with ourselves and others. By encouraging a supportive environment and practicing self-care, we can enhance our overall well-being and contribute to a healthier, more compassionate community.
Let’s take this opportunity to prioritise mental health—both for ourselves and those around us. If you or someone you know could use a check-in or some support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
Resources
"What Is Mindfulness?", Headspace
https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/mindfulness-101
"How To Be Mindful At Work", Headspace
https://www.headspace.com/work/mindfulness-at-work
"Self-care for mental health and wellbeing", Lifeline
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/techniques/self-care-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing
rEFERENCES
"Self-care for mental health and wellbeing", Lifeline
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/techniques/self-care-for-mental-health-and-wellbeing
"5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health", Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D., Scientifically reviewed by Saima Latif, Ph.D., 14 May 2018
https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/#benefits
"What Is Mindfulness?", and "Mental health at work: policy brief", Environment, Climate Change and Health (ECH), Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use (MSD), World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240057944
"WHO and ILO call for new measures to tackle mental health issues at work" World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2022-who-and-ilo-call-for-new-measures-to-tackle-mental-health-issues-at-work
"Reports on workplace mental health and the impact of stress.", World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/world-mental-health-report
"Research on stress management and mental health.", American Psychological Association (APA)
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health