With absenteeism and presenteeism every rising costing the UK economy £73 million anually workplaces are looking to improve the working environment and culture in their work places as well as focus on employees who may be suffering from an emotional wellbeing or mental health concern.
The best way to do this is to have a full workplace analysis to see what is and is not working currently and to then create a bespoke strategy to ensure that each and every employee has the best possible work life for ultimate employee health, happiness and welllbeing.
Inspired by Mental Health Foundation's 5 Ways to Wellbeing during this year's wellbeing week I want to look at the 5 main ways MHF suggests to improve and maintain well being at work and in life:
1. Connect
2. Get Active
3. Be Mindful
4. Keep Learning
5. Give to Others
Connect - Mental Health Foundation suggests we get to know our colleagues, our neighbours and meet new people in order to feel a sense of community, to create strong relationships. Not only does this lead to a drop in feeling lonely our new friendships provide us with fun, laughter and a support network.
Exercise not only releases those feel good endorphins but is yet another way we can get outside, get fresh air, promote fitness and a healthier life and is a great way to connect with others.
Getting active needn't be expensive - a walk or job around your local park or get a group activity going at work such as netball, rounders or yoga.
Be Mindful - whether that be through meditation, yoga, gratitude journals or a simple de-stress exercise such as the one below by being mindful we can reduce our stress triggers thereby keeping calm even when faced with large challenges. By minimising stress we are less prone to anxiety, depression, anger and other negative emotional & mental health concerns.
Non-Meditation Meditation:
Sit still in fairly quiet area where you will not be disturbed - gently close your eyes if appropriate
- Find 3 objects in the space and internally describe each one to yourself; include everything about each object in as much detail as possible - the colour, the weight, the material etc.
- Listen for 2 sounds and describe each sound fully to yourself - the pitch, the timbre, how loud it is.
- Take a sip of a drink or a small bite of food and again describe it in as much detail as possible - the texture, the temperature, the taste.
By taking the time to do the above your mind re-focuses away from what is causing stress and allows you to take control over your thoughts.
Keep Learning to promote life long learning in order to keep our brains healthy and promote a sense of achievement as well as upskill in our careers and add to our development.
I learn so much from podcasts as they fill a dull commute and an even duller run! Some of my current favourites are:
Feel Better Live More by Dr Chatterjee which explores all of the ways we can live healthier
Optimal Living Daily collection by Optimal Living Daily has daily podcasts on health, finance, relationships, business and life!
No Such Thing As A Fish from the QI elves is not only hilarious but informative too!
Give to Others foucses on feeling good when we give to others as "Evidence shows that helping others is actually beneficial for your own mental health and in turn your wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, improve your emotional wellbeing and even benefit your physical health."
By volunteering with the Prince's Trust not only can I make an impact with their internal team but I also know that this will be passed on to the young people they support and I am incredibly lucky to be part of that journey.
How can you help others? By giving your time? Your expertise? Your advice?
If you are struggling at work or can see a need for a workplace wellbeing programme then get in touch with me to see how I can help you: coach@kate-bishop.com
I’m Kate Bishop and I’m here to make your Mondays feel just as great as Fridays. As a leading career and confidence facilitator and coach I work with individuals to empower them to find and follow…
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