Did you know that the average person spends 90,000 hours of their time working over their lifetime? On average, that’s half of all the time you spend awake. It’s no wonder that work is one of the largest contributors to stress.
Unfortunately, high levels of stress have a direct negative impact on your mental health. If you’re feeling the pressure from your job, there are a few things you can do to keep your sanity. Check out these tips for taking care of your mental health at work.
Communicate
One of the worst things you can do is bottle up your thoughts and emotions. While talking about your feelings might be difficult, it’s an active part of maintaining your wellbeing. Find someone you feel comfortable with and that you know will be supportive, or at least actively listen.
Choosing a trusted coworker, family member, or friend is an excellent place to start. If at all possible, speaking with a team leader or management is highly advised. They might be able to help alleviate some of your stress. If not, it will encourage your other coworkers to express their concerns as well.
Be careful, though. Not all managers are receptive to workplace stress. If you do speak to a manager and feel they are retaliating against you, speak with a wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible.
Get Active
If the idea of talking to someone about your emotions only piles more stress on your shoulders, then get active. Exercising is one of the best ways to combat stress, and you don’t have to pick up a full workout routine.
Just 30 minutes a day of any type of exercise is enough to make an enormous difference. You could walk, jog, ride your bike, head to the gym, anything. The choice is yours. Those with active jobs often feel the negative effects of a lack of exercise after being injured in a car accident or work. If you work in an opposite setting, like an office, you’ll start to notice the benefits almost immediately.
Start Dieting
While the old adage “you are what you eat” isn’t exactly true, your diet has an incredible impact on your mood and mentality. Even just planning your meals ahead can make a world of difference by setting a regular time to eat. However, healthier options are always the best choice.
Add more fruits and vegetables into your diet, as well as nuts. These easily snackable items fit into the workday perfectly. At the same time, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. As an added bonus, proper hydration keeps your brain sharp.
Take a Break
If you can, take a vacation as soon as possible. If not, then start incorporating tiny breaks into your day. A simple five-minute pause from your work duties is enough to break down stress and recalibrate your mood. Taking a weekend getaway, a little extra time for lunch, or focusing on the things you love after work are also beneficial.