Mental health is a talking point that has been prominent in the media of late, but is something that has been affecting the day to day lives of millions of people in the UK for many years.
With people starting to talk more openly about their own mental health issues, how it has impacted them and the steps that they’re taking to improve their well-being, we’re finally seeing the stigma surrounding mental health begin to improve significantly.
However, despite this, we’re still seeing many people struggle, both inside and out of the workplace.
We understand that discovering the right path to take to improve your mental health situation can be a tough journey to go through, and harder still to stay on the right track and follow it through, but you’re not alone…
From students to sports stars, retail workers to business owners, we’re all susceptible to mental health issues. Even social media influencers, such as Instagram phenomenon, Mrs Hinch, are starting to address the grip of mental health issues. It’s something that can affect anyone, regardless of status, net-worth, career or home life situation, however it is becoming much more socially acceptable to talk about these feelings, particularly in the workplace, and help is becoming far more accessible than ever before…
Did you know that mental health issues affect 1 in 6.8 people in the workplace? With depression and anxiety being two of the most well-known afflictions, we’ve seen mental health issues affecting team members of all management levels, no matter the industry.
Taking the first step to a better outcome can be the most difficult, and each journey to better mental health may be different, but the opportunities should be the same, which is why we’re so passionate about creating safe spaces to begin to open up lines of communication and enable change.
With this in mind, we’ve collated some of our top tips to help you on your journey to more manageable mental health…
1. Building positive relationships
When looking into the building of relationships, it’s often said that the people you surround yourself with have a direct impact on who you are, how you behave, and how you are perceived by others. This is something that applies to your physical relationships, both personal and professional, but also extends to your online presence, and the relationships and engagement you demonstrate on social media.
Take some time to audit your relationships, both online and offline, as well as your relationship with your online self to determine their intent and better understand how they’re affecting you. Research has found that those who surround themselves with positive relationships have a more concrete foundation of happiness which in turn contributes to better mental health, so this is a great first step on your journey.
Aside from building relationships with people who will have a positive effect on you and your life, it’s also key to remember to try and block out those who have a negative impact. A recent documentary, which has been a key talking point in the media, featuring Jesy Nelson of Little Mix, explores how online negativity and ‘trolling’ can have a devastating effect on social media users. The documentary explores her process of rehabilitation and is an inspiring watch for anyone suffering at the hands of cyberbullies.
2. Healthy Body = Healthy Mind
Through our Strive2BeYou programme, we advocate the inclusion of a consistent exercise routine that is enjoyable. This can be anything from a long walk each week to a high-intensity HIIT or yoga class, the important aspect is that it is an activity that you enjoy.
Physical activity has been found to create chemical changes in the brain by releasing endorphins, which can positively change our mood. Some researchers also believe that a consistent exercise routine can also contribute to an increase in self-esteem.
Furthermore, by engaging in group activities – whether it’s a team sport, a power-walk with a friend or a regular gym class, social situations become far less intimidating and you’ll feel more confident in widening your circle of friends. This in itself, may have a positive effect on your mental health and help you to feel less alone.
3. Create a SMART action plan
As part of our Strive2BeYou programme, we highly recommend the creation of a ‘mental health action plan’ for both the short and long term utilising SMART goals.
Ensure your objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely to help you build a concrete plan that you can put into motion, to help you achieve your goals. This plan can include career goals, health goals (both physical and mental), as well as more general goals such as meeting new people or finding a new hobby.
A great way to keep you on track is to place this plan in a place where you will see it regularly, such as on the fridge, bathroom mirror or in a diary or notebook. This way, you are reminded daily of your goals, which can help you to stay more focused on achieving them.
4. Self-care isn’t selfish
Contrary to belief, self-care isn’t a selfish act at all. With so many pressures from keeping up with life and work demands, don’t be afraid to take a little time for yourself each day.
Take yourself on a walk in the fresh air (this doesn’t need to be a hike up a mountain; a short walk around the block can be enough to help you clear your head!), treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment, or even simply allocate some time to enjoy your favourite book in your own company.
Making time for yourself to regain headspace and relax, particularly in today’s exhausting ‘always on’ world, can help you to be more efficient when you have a task-list to get through.
A great way to ensure that you achieve this is to book out some physical time in your calendar for your self-care as if it were a meeting. This way, you’re more likely to follow through, whether it’s in between school drop off and pickup, during your lunch break, or later on in the evening when the children are in bed. Be clear with those around you that it is important that you allow yourself this time so that they can support you.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We know how hard it can be to walk this path alone and how it can be harder still to ask for help when you need it the most, especially when people don’t know that you’ve been struggling. But seeking help is not a sign of defeat, it’s a sign of strength. Whether you speak to a partner, colleague, a professional or an anonymous resource such as MIND or Samaritans, know that you’re taking a positive step to feeling better and making a difference to your situation.
We provide support for people struggling with mental health issues. Strive2BeYou is a programme created and delivered by our team of experts. Set in a controlled environment where you will feel safe and be heard. Beginning with reflecting on your life journey to this point, understanding your end goal & putting the foundations in place to begin to make a change. Find out more about our Strive2BYou programme here, or talk to a member of our friendly team today.
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