Tips on Mental Health for Working Professionals | Sahiba Sethi | Counselling Psychologist & Founder | Ummeed Healing

In the demanding world of job professionals, the pursuit of mental health and physical fitness often takes a backseat to work commitments. However, neglecting these crucial aspects of well-being can have detrimental effects on both personal and professional life. Life has become increasingly challenging in the workplace and these challenges posted by mental illness is quite significant. In today’s life it is essential to achieve a harmonious blend of work, mental health, and fitness is essential for a healthy lifestyle. It has become a part of our life now that we should know how to balance our professional and personal life simultaneously and focus on healthy lifestyle.

Here are some useful tips were working professionals can incorporate into their daily routines to take care of their mental wellness along with their job schedules:

Incorporate Regular Exercise into Your Routine:

Physical fitness and mental health are correlated. Regular exercise not only boosts physical health but also releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. If you can then schedule workouts like you would for a meeting. Set your rules for exercise as an important meeting. Block off time in your calendar for workouts to ensure consistency.

You don’t have to suffer to be fit. Choose activities that give you joy. Find physical activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s yoga, running, Zumba, swimming, dancing, tai-chi or team sports. Keep rotating them every couple of months. Enjoyment increases motivation and you will be able to stick to it more regularly. Sitting at desk jobs can cause lethargy and other health challenges. The point is to keep the body moving.

If you cannot make it to the gym, then incorporate physical activity into your workday. Take short breaks to stand, stretch, or walk around. Consider using a standing desk or sitting on an exercise ball. Walk as you take calls on your mobile. Induct walking chats instead of meetings in your team.

Prioritize Sleep:

At the risk of sounding like your grandmother, I will still put it out there. Inadequate sleep can become the biggest hinderance to your work performance and has a direct impact on mental health. Your aim should always be for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Skip that party. Skip that get together. Skip that movie. Get some sleep to bolster your mental health. It is that simple.

To start getting healthy sound sleep create a sleep-conducive environment. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Establish a sleep Routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same times daily, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s internal clock.

Before you nod off to sleep shut off all screens (phones, tablets, computers) before bedtime as blue light can disrupt sleep patterns. Set that alarm on your phone and then forget it. Read a good book, listen to soothing music or chat with family. Put yourself in a relaxed state so you can fall asleep faster and won’t be tossing and turning in bed. Knowing that you are falling behind on those sleep hours causes more anxiety to a lot of people.

Manage Stress Effectively:

Job professionals often face high levels of stress. There are so many factors in the workplace that we cannot control. What we can control is our own minds. Learning to manage stress can significantly improve mental health.

Use time management strategies like the pomodoro technique to stay organized and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Making a to-do list and delegation also works.

When you feel that stress creeping in take deep, calming breaths to instantly relax your body and mind. Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce anxiety. This has proven to be very effective. Add 15 minutes of meditation every day. It will help you hold on to the calm state longer.

If you find yourself constantly in a state of anxiety, seek professional help. This is not the body’s natural state. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you experience persistent symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression. They can provide guidance and strategies to help you cope effectively.

Balance Work, Home and Personal Life:

Strong social connections are vital for mental health. Even with a busy schedule, make an effort to spend time with loved ones. Allocate time to be with family and friends it helps you to create an emotional bonding with your near ones. Connect beyond work with a circle that brings you joy and talks about things that matter to you.

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid checking work emails during non-working hours or spending holidays working at your laptop. Schedule your breaks to relax and recharge with family. Delegate your work so you can avoid working through them.

Personal life beyond family is essential for you to ensure your heart and mind is full of energy before you begin to share it. Draw a boundary around you that sets limits to your energy. No one other than you can enter it. Skip a get together to spend time with yourself. Sit with yourself. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet:

Very often punishing work hours can mess around with your diet. A binge occasionally is fine. But when it becomes an everyday activity it becomes a challenge for your body to manage physical health. As this deteriorates it impacts mental health. One realises the impact of it much later…often when it is already too late.

A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health. Plan and prepare healthy meals in advance. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Top up that bottle of water several times in a day and limit your chai / coffee intake. As a rule avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and snacks.

By implementing these five core rules, job professionals can prioritize their mental health and fitness, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful career while enjoying a higher quality of life. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s an essential investment in your overall well-being.