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Read the latest blog from Health Assured: 5 tips to protect your wellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 is an annual event that brings attention to the importance of mental health and encourages individuals to take steps to improve their own mental wellbeing.

This awareness day offers a time to reflect on the impact of mental health on our lives and communities. It provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to come together, raise awareness and promote self-care. In this article, Health Assured offer tips and resources for employees to take care of their mental health.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of mental health conditions vary from person to person. Here are some common symptoms associated with poor mental health:

• Persistent sadness or feeling down
• Excessive worry, anxiety, or fear
• Extreme mood swings or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Withdrawal from social interactions or relationships

From the above list it becomes apparent that poor mental health can significantly impact a person’s life. These symptoms are often debilitating, making everyday tasks difficult and time-consuming, which can seriously impact the person’s ability to contribute meaningfully to their personal and professional lives.

How does poor mental health impact employees?

Poor mental health can affecting an individual’s productivity, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. Here are some ways in which poor mental health can impact work-life:

• Reduced productivity
• Increased absenteeism
• Impaired relationships
• Burnout
• Reduced job satisfaction

To prevent poor mental health from impacting your personal and professional life, it is essential to find techniques to help you overcome these negative feelings. This, in turn, will help you to manage your symptoms effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5 tips to protect your mental health

With the fast-paced nature of work, we tend to put mental wellbeing on the back burner without realising that neglecting it can have severe consequences in the future. Therefore, taking care of your mind should be a priority for everyone.

This article will provide five tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to protect your mental health and promote overall wellbeing. By following these steps, you can improve your mood, reduce stress levels and increase productivity while maintaining good mental wellbeing.

1. Take breaks and prioritise rest

Taking breaks throughout the day is crucial in reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing. By taking short, frequent breaks, employees can recharge their batteries and improve their productivity. Employees should also prioritise rest by getting enough sleep each night and taking time off work when needed.

2. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. By practising mindfulness, employees can reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase self-awareness. Mindfulness can be practised through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes to focus on the present moment.

3. Connect with others

Social connections are essential for good mental health. Employees should take the time to connect with co-workers, friends, and family. Having a strong social support system can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation.

4. Exercise regularly

Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase self-esteem. Employees should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, whether it’s going for a walk, running, or taking a fitness class. Regular exercise can also improve physical health, which can have a positive impact on mental health.

5. Set boundaries

It’s important for employees to set boundaries in their work and personal lives. This can include setting limits on work hours and prioritising self-care activities. By setting boundaries, employees can reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

What is the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and how is it accessed?

Provided by Health Assured, our EAP is a free and confidential service which offers support on a range of issues, including emotional and physical health, mental health, managing stress and anxiety, money issues and more.

In summary, through the EAP, you can:

• access a 24/7 telephone line for confidential support through a range of services, including online and face-to-face counselling, managing finances and legal information
• access the My Healthy Advantage app, which features a range of tools, including interactive health assessments, fitness advice, self-help programmes and budgeting tools
• access trained trauma counsellors for help solving an immediate and identifiable problem through the Critical Incident Support service
• take a mini health check, watch a webinar or download their monthly newsletter.

You can log in to the EAP and find lots of helpful resources from Health Assured here: , using the username: university and password: warwick.

You can also call 0800 030 5182 to speak to an advisor.

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – you’ll always be able to speak to someone who can help.