6 Ways to Get Better Mental Health at Work and at Home

You can’t fix something if you’re not sure what it is. So, having a clear definition of what good mental health actually means can be helpful.

Many people think that good mental health means being happy and cheerful all the time. Of course, this isn’t a realistic goal. It isn’t about walking around with a fake grin or being in a state of giddy delight every hour of the day.

Working on improving your mental well-being doesn’t mean that you have a mental illness. Many people do struggle with mental issues but are coping with daily life quite well. Conversely, many people don’t have mental problems but do have difficulties dealing with everyday stress.

Having good mental health means you can handle stress well, achieve your goals, interact with others, learn new skills and contribute to your community.

How well you cope with daily life is a good indicator of your mental wellness. If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, angry, frustrated or sad, you need to spend some time working on your mental ill health.

Unfortunately, mental issues are common. One in every four Brits will struggle with a mental problem at least once a year, according to figures collected by Mind, the UK mental health organisation. One in every six people in the UK experience common mental problems like anxiety and depression every week, as studies by the NHS show.

Mental issues can have a devasting effect on both the people suffering from them and their friends and families. There is also a significant cost to poor mental health. In the UK, mental issues are the biggest cause of disability and cost the economy £105.2 billion every year, according to government research.

Improving your mental health and wellbeing makes it easier to cope with difficult situations. Achieving better mental health helps us feel happier and calmer, be more productive at work, and feel more satisfied with our lives. Maintaining good mental wellbeing also reduces the likelihood of developing long-term physical health conditions like heart disease.

Focusing on boosting your brain power will improve your quality of life, help you with your career, and take some strain off our health services. It’s a big win all around! But how can we find our way to better mental health?

Just like a bodybuilder trains their body to lift more weight, you can train your mind to be more resilient. And you don’t need to learn new skills or spend a month on a mountaintop.

You can even improve mental health awareness at your workplace without interrupting your daily schedules. The Human Focus Mental Health Awareness training course can be taken online in segments whenever you like.

Here are six simple steps you can take right now to start working on better mental health:

Staying active is great for our bodies and has real benefits for our brains! Yes, we all know that exercise can be dull, but being more active doesn’t mean you have to spend countless hours in a sweaty gym.

Increasing your activity levels can be as easy as taking a long walk daily, gardening, or riding a bike. Take up a low-impact exercise routine like Tai Chi or Yoga. Try swimming at your local pool or join a tennis club. Try to spend more time moving your body and your mental health will thank you.

Humans are social animals. We need support from the people around us. Nurture your relationships with your family, your friends, and your co-workers.

Have you spoken to a close friend or a relative recently? Could you give a colleague at work some advice over lunch? Are you spending enough quality time with your family? Could you volunteer at a local school or community organisation? Interacting with people and helping others gives us a sense of self-worth and purpose and does wonders for our mental wellbeing.

Mindfulness is much more than just a popular buzzword. Taking the time to slow down and appreciate the little things can significantly impact your mental health.

Mindfulness involves being aware of what is happening to you right now. It means being fully present in the moment and being aware of your body, your surroundings, and your emotions.

Meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness, but you can use many other techniques. Being more mindful can help you to enjoy life more fully and be more grateful and appreciative of life’s pleasures.

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. Too much salty, fatty, and unhealthy food can make your body and mind sluggish. Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and avoid processed and prepackaged food. Drink more water and less caffeine and alcohol.

Try to bring a healthy lunch to work instead of buying fast food. Take healthy snacks like carrots or nuts instead of crisps or chocolate bars. Get away from your desk and join a colleague for lunch. A healthy diet gives your body the fuel it needs and sharpens your mind.

There’s no shame in admitting you’re having a hard time. We all undergo periods of difficulty and stress in our lives. Don’t struggle through alone if you feel like you’re not coping.

Ask a friend or relative to make time for a chat or seek support from a colleague. If things feel out of control, talk to your GP. Your GP should be able to advise you on where to find services from a professional mental health counsellor.

You could also find out if your workplace has an employee mental health support programme. If they don’t, you may wish to talk to your superiors about mental health awareness at work.

Approximately one-quarter of the UK’s largest companies are working on improving mental health awareness. Half recognise a clear link between employees’ mental well-being and the company’s bottom line, according to a recent report by the CCLA Corporate Mental Health Benchmark.

Employers must know they are legally obligated to safeguard their employees’ physical and mental health. Creating more awareness of mental health issues in the workplace can be as simple as putting up an infographic. But enacting a dedicated mental health strategy is the best way to create a more supportive, happier, and more productive workplace.

Raising mental health awareness produces a more positive work environment and reduces the stigma of seeking help. Employees who have access to mental health support programmes are more satisfied with their jobs, more productive, and have lower rates of absenteeism.

Improve your workplace, meet legal obligations, and show your staff that you care.

Sign up for Mental Health Awareness Training today.