How to Prevent Work From Affecting Mental Health
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With so much happening in our lives, it’s no wonder more people are burning out during the pandemic than ever before. After all, most of us are a little more tired, nervous, and frustrated than we’ve ever been. Making changes to working from home has put enough stress on our job situations, and for many, going to work was already a stressful experience. It’s become vitally important to prioritize mental health on and off the job. Even if the culture makes it difficult, knowing how to cope with workplace stress can ensure your relationship and home life go unaffected by your career pursuits.
Ask for Help
It can be helpful to identify a person who can be supportive of your mental health in the workplace. Turn to this person to share your feelings and ask for help when you need it. If you can’t find a person at work you feel comfortable talking to, try talking to your spouse or a family member. They may not be able to fix the problem the way a supervisor could, but they might be able to offer the advice and support you need. Similarly, a therapist or counselor can help you find methods for supporting your mental wellbeing at work and at home, allowing you to pursue a successful career and a more satisfying relationship.
Prioritize Yourself
Sacrificing your mental health for your work rarely pays off in the end, and more likely, it can end up affecting other parts of your life, such as our relationships. Be mindful of your mental health at work. Learn when to grin and bear as well as when to throw in the towel. At the end of the day, it may take some time to navigate what is worth stressing over and what’s not. Remember that your company’s problems are not necessarily your problems, and often, the pressure we feel from our jobs comes from the work culture we create.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries with your job is about deciding what you need most in order to be successful and healthy. For some, a flexible schedule is key to improving mental health at work. For others, it’s a clean separation between work and home, cutting off work communication as soon as the business day ends. Sometimes, workplace culture tells us productivity is above all, but the truth is that mental health usually declines with productivity, making it even more important to separate oneself from work in order to come back more focused and energized the next day. Think about what you need most and pursue that above all else, even if that means adjusting your work schedule or seeking out some form of accommodation from your employer.
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