Working in a Competitive Industry? Here Are Some Helpful Strategies for Tending to Your Mental Health
You spend the majority of your time at work. You typically work an 8-5 or a 9-5, but you’re often logging in early or staying after hours to get work done.
It feels like there are never enough hours in the day. You really enjoy your job and even have a few coworkers who have turned into friends, but you can’t help but feel like you’re not doing enough despite all of the work you’re actually doing.
Are you working in a competitive industry? Here are some helpful strategies for tending to your mental health.
Take Care of Yourself
Feeling a little anxious or stressed from time to time is completely normal. If you’re starting to notice that you’re experiencing these emotions on a regular or consistent basis, it’s usually a sign that there’s a larger issue at play. One of the best places to start is with yourself. It’s extremely important to take care of yourself, especially in times of stress.
Taking care of yourself means eating healthy and well-balanced meals during your day. It also means prioritizing your sleep. Try to aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night. A lot of anxiety and stress can impact these areas of your life in negative ways, so it’s important to get it under control so it’s less likely for these areas to be negatively impacted.
Set Boundaries
In today’s working world, it can be easy to feel the constant pressure from your boss, coworkers, or clients to be online 24/7. In the digital world, you can receive texts, phone calls, video calls, and emails all on your phone. It’s not as easy to separate work from your personal life. A lot of the time, it may feel like you’re bringing work home with you.
Try to set realistic boundaries for yourself and your job to protect your overall mental health and wellness. No one is expecting you to be online 24/7. You have a life outside of work that you have to put time and effort into just as much, if not more, than your career. Figure out what’s important to you and what you’re looking for in your work-life balance. As soon as you figure that out, communicate this to others and make sure they’re being respectful of your wants and needs.
Take Breaks
Burnout may come along more easily than you may think. Everyone needs a break every now and then. That’s why a typical work week is five days and a lot of companies offer personal, sick, and vacation days. Rest and recovery are just as important for you. You have to find a balance between the two.
It’s okay to take breaks during your work day. You can use your break times to go for a walk outside, grab coffee, or eat lunch. Don’t be afraid to take a personal or vacation day either. Taking breaks can help you come back to work feeling ready to get back into the swing of things again.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques can be a great tool to use when you’re feeling stressed and anxious. The good news is that there are many different types of relaxation techniques out there. Here are a few different methods that you can try out to see what works best for you and your needs:
Body scan
Deep breathing
Meditation
Journaling
Yoga
Seek Additional Support
If you still feel like your mental health is struggling, you’re not alone. While there are things you can do on your end to try to improve the stress and anxiety you’re facing, there is no better form of treatment than seeking support through a licensed and trained mental health professional. Reach out today to learn more. If you feel like you need a little extra support managing your emotions and finding ways to cope, we’re here for you. Contact me today to set up a consultation.