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HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS
How to Manage Your Mental Health and Wellness Learn how to manage your mental health and wellness, and power through to success!
M
ental health is about how you act, feel, think and cope with stress. It is an integral part of every aspect of your life, yet it is something that is not often discussed in the workplace. In reality, mental health is a growing concern, with a 2021 survey by AIA finding that nine out of ten Singaporeans are struggling with their mental health. Mental health (or lack thereof) is not just limited to mental health issues – like depression or anxiety. According to Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health, not having mental health issues does not equate to good mental health. In fact, good mental health refers to “the presence of positive characteristics”.
For instance, in professional life, a positive characteristic for good mental health is a work-life balance. Fortunately, there is rising mental health awareness today, from more graduates wanting to work for employers that offer a good work-life balance, to more companies offering mental health support. But good mental health at work is not just about good worklife balance, however. There are other ways to manage your mental health at work, whether you are working from home or working in the office. Try subscribing to these methods to keep your mental health game up!
Make “to-do” lists Feeling the need to get up to speed in your new job can be overwhelming. You are dealing with being the new boy or girl on the block (or office), you do not have as much experience as your peers around you, and you have been given a list of tasks to complete by a certain deadline. And although the offer of help is typically extended to new hires, you will likely still feel like you are buried under a mountain of work. This feeling of being overwhelmed will likely be accompanied by constant flitting from task to task as you finish one and try to decide on what to focus on next. So, instead of contributing to what might become a mental health issue, start making “to-do” lists. They can range from decorated corkboards to even just basic pen and paper. You will be able to get your thoughts in order, and get a good feeling every time you check something off the list.
Consider Keep your “to-do” list simple and specific. Include a time frame for every task (and reward yourself every time you meet it), and do not forget to tick them off when completed!
Avoid gossip at work Although gossip at work does offer good entertainment fodder, or even provides an opportunity for you to get to know your new co-workers better, it can cause conflicts and disrupt team harmony if you are not careful. If you have any problems with a colleague at work, speak directly to the person. This will reduce miscommunication –
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which often results in frustration and poorer mental health – and may lead to a quick resolution with minimal stress. Consider getting your supervisor or manager involved as a mediator if required.
Consider Some ways to diplomatically avoid these situations are to smoothly change the subject by focusing on “nongossipy” bits of the conversation, or simply steering away from the topic by revisiting a previous talking point. If that fails, simply walk away and concentrate on your work.
Take breaks Exploring a new place over the weekend and letting a part of your mind rest is a break. But a five-minute jaunt to the kitchen or pantry for a slice of cheese or chips constitutes a break as well. A few minutes taken here and there will be enough to let you unwind and de-stress a little before you jump back to the demands of your “to-do” list. To ensure you are getting enough “me time” to keep yourself mentally buoyed and healthy, though, you can schedule 25-minute work blocks, with five-minute breaks in between.
Consider Scrolling through the news feed and reading something unrelated to your work. Alternatively, you can simply sit still for a few minutes and sort your thoughts out.
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