Workplace Wellbeing: Mental Health Strategies For Your Return To The Office
Words: Alex Harmon
As the festive period comes to a close, many of us are making the transition back into office-life - whether that’s a physical office or the makeshift one that’s located near your fridge.
If you feel like incorporating some positive changes into your work day in 2022, here are some helpful tips...
Fresh air: Don’t underestimate the power of sunlight and fresh air. You could commit to ‘3pm walkies’ with a colleague (a virtual walk also works!), take a meeting as you walk around the block or just force yourself to go outside on your lunch break. Put it into your diary so it pops up to remind you every day. No matter how busy you are, resist the temptation to work through your lunch break!
Meditate: Feeling overwhelmed, stressed and like you don’t have enough hours in the day? You definitely need to take some time out to meditate. Trust us, it’s not a waste of your time. Meditating at work can help reduce your stress while also boosting your energy, focus and productivity.
Increase connection: Not your WIFi, your social connection. Humans are social creatures by nature. Try to relish the chats and the Zoom small-talk. Increased social connectedness is great for our mental health and is known to increase happiness, reduce stress and boost our self-worth and confidence.
Rest: One thing that COVID-19 did for the workplace is that it blurred the lines between work and home. Try to put some boundaries in place so that when you get home or decide that the work day is over, you’re not continuing to work. Resting is not lazy - it’s actually one of the most productive things you can do!
Discuss flexibility: Talk to your boss about doing some (or more) work from home days, a four-day week or the chance to take a ‘mental health day’ once in a while. COVID-19 has shown us that we are as flexible as Gumby, so if you can manage it or afford it, don’t go back to your rigid ways.
Start planning your next holiday or break. That's right, it's not too early to plan something you can look forward to.
Set goals: Write them down and keep them achievable so you can reward yourself.
Going back to work with a positive mindset and some healthy new habits will hopefully reduce the likelihood of burning out and increase your job satisfaction. Let us know your tips…
Did you know Waves of Wellness offer Corporate Wellbeing Programs, addressing the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace? Find out more here.
Images via: Sprout Daily