In today’s fast-paced environment, characterised by the immediacy of communication and endless technological advances it is easy to become stressed and overwhelmed. Therefore it is more important than ever for employers to promote mental health by helping to enhance the mental well-being of their staff members. With this in mind, our April memo will focus on some useful stress management tips and tricks!
Mental Health is the leading reason for absence in Northern Ireland accounting for almost one out of every three days lost (31.9% of all days). Mental health reasons accounted for 39.1% of long-term sickness leave.*
Tips for Keeping up in this Fast-Paced World
- Eat Well – According to the Mental Health Foundation and recent studies good nutrition is essential for our mental health. The Mental Health Foundation suggest that we eat fewer high-sugar foods and more wholegrain cereals, nuts, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables.
- Take a Break – A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. This could be anything from stepping away from your desk on your lunch break or practising mindfulness for a short period of time (mindfulness at work tips here).
- A Positive Workplace Culture – Recent studies have shown that even when workplaces offered benefits such as flexi-time and work-from home opportunities, engagement still had a bigger impact on well-being. To read more about creating a positive and healthy culture click here.
- Ask for Help – We all get overwhelmed from time to time, especially if we have a looming deadline in work, or have to prepare for an important presentation. Next time this happens try confiding in friends or colleagues and they might be able to offer practical help and share the load!
For more tips visit:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health
Be Well!
*NISRA (2015). Sickness Absence in the Northern Ireland Civil Service 2014/2015. Department of Finance and Personnel: Belfast. Retrieved from http://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/1415%20 Financial%20Year%20Absence%20Report.pdf
