How to Manage Your Mental Health and Wellness

from SIM Career Guide 2023

AN OPEN MIND AND WILLINGNESS TO LEARN HELPED A CAREER SWITCH

Learn how to manage your mental health and wellness, and power through to success!

Mental 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!

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.

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!

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 – 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.

Some ways to diplomatically avoid these situations are to smoothly change the subject by focusing on “non-gossipy” 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.

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.

Decorate your workstation

Looking at little personal touches at the desk you are assigned in the office can help you de-stress when working life threatens to overtake you. These little decorations can help you re-centre yourself and recall positive memories that will keep your mental health up. But before you start bringing in fairy lights, check with your company if there are any guidelines!

If decorations are allowed, take note to not clutter your desk with too many pictures or reminders of your hobbies! At the end of the day, you are still a working professional in a corporate space.

Decorate your desk with a pillow for comfort, or a shawl or jacket for warmth. Other options include framed inspirational quotes to motivate you, or even pictures of your pets and family.

Welcome to the SIM Student Wellness Centre!

At SIM, we believe that healthy, well-balanced and engaged individuals are more likely to do well in life.

To that end, our Student Care team, of the Student Development Division, regularly organises programmes to encourage healthy living, wellness, stress management and soft skills workshops that will help you become life-ready.

If you may be feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges, such as managing your studies or adjusting to a new environment, our qualified counsellors are ready to offer support and guidance.

However, if you would rather speak to a peer, our passionate SIM Peer Mentors look forward to lending a listening ear in a safe space.

Moreover, specially curated activities and events at the Student Wellness Centre are designed to help you relax and unwind.

We are located at Block B, Level 2 B.2.11, and our operating hours are from Monday to Friday, between 1 PM to 5 PM (excluding public holidays).

Enhancing wellness through workshop and activities (online)

SIM Peer Mentors Community

SIM Peer Mentors have a mission to promote a culture of care and support. We would like to promote wellness, and be a dependent pillar for the Student Body of SIM.