It destroys your morale and leaves you feeling burned out. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) considers it a workplace hazard, and it can result in billions of dollars in healthcare costs and lost productivity. This phenomenon– also known as workplace stress– can take a tremendous toll on your physical and mental health. Here are some warning signs of workplace stress, as well as three tips for promoting mental health in the workplace.
WARNING SIGNS OF BURNOUT AT WORK
There are two types of stress: eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress). Here are some signs that the stress you’re experiencing isn’t healthy.
- Job apathy
- Sleep problems and fatigue
- Anxiety and/or depression, anger, and irritability
- Physical symptoms– headaches, high blood pressure, chest pain, and stomach issues
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with the effects of stress
3 WAYS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Healthy habits can go a long way toward helping you keep your cool when stressful situations arise. Aim to get eight hours of shut-eye each night, and maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on the weekends. Regular exercise releases “feel-good” hormones that can help you keep a positive outlook at work. Eating a nutrient-rich diet gives you energy and improves your overall sense of well-being. You can even take healthy living to the next level with an office-wide fitness challenge, which will increase the overall mental health in the workplace as well. As time goes on, you will notice that not only your overall mental health is improving, but your physical health as well.
Connect with Co-Workers
Forming healthy friendships with your team can help you feel less isolated at work. Plus, connecting with co-workers may take your mind off your workplace stress and give you a new perspective on workplace culture. Having someone to confide in can help you feel less overwhelmed, and your co-worker may have some additional insight as well. Being able to confide in someone that is in the workplace environment too has the added benefit of discussing issues as they arise, instead of letting them fester.
Prioritize
Decide which tasks are most important, and focus on those first. Be realistic when you write your to-do list. Plan how you will handle interruptions before they occur– especially the ones you can anticipate. And remember, you don’t have to say “yes” to every request that comes your way. Using time-management apps and limiting your time on social media can be helpful, too.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
If you’re experiencing signs of burnout at work, Ridgeview Institute can help. We offer customized, comprehensive programs to help you find healthy ways to overcome the effects of stress. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an evaluation.