Mental well-being at work for individuals (part 2)

 

In the last blog we talked about how too much stress can result in symptoms of stress and poor mental health.

We all need coping mechanisms to enable us to deal with stress effectively, build resilience and maintain good mental health.

These coping mechanisms can be anything that makes us feel good and supports positive wellbeing from making sure you have enough sleep to doing exercise and talking to friends. There are also some unhelpful ways to deal with stress such as eating, drinking or taking some alone time – some can turn into a problem in themselves and even cause harm to your body and mind.

There are many coping mechanisms out there. Some suggestions endorsed by the NHS to promote positive mental wellbeing include:

1. Connecting with others. When it comes to our wellbeing, other people matter. There is a lot of evidence out there that shows that feeling close to and valued by others, whether at home, work, school or in the local community, is a basic human need.
2. Being active. It’s great for your physical health and fitness, and evidence shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing.
3. Being mindful. Mindfulness is like a gym for the mind and can help you live more in the present moment rather than worrying about what may happen in the future or what has happened in the past.
4. Keep learning. Learning new skills can be useful, and studies show it can also improve our mental wellbeing.
5. Giving. Everyone feels good by doing something kind and thoughtful for someone else and research into happiness has found that by doing a weekly act of kindness for six weeks will increase wellbeing.

There are also many resources available to support your wellbeing. There are apps out there such as MyFitnessPal, MapMyRun, Gratitude, Insight Timer, Calm and Headspace. Give them a go!

www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress    |    www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health    |    www.mind.org.uk/information-support    |    www.stress.org.uk/ https://www.able-futures.co.uk

 

Download the full presentation here                              Listen to the podcast here