Mental Health Awareness Week: Experts tips for improving wellbeing at work

Six expert tips to improve overall wellbeing and reduce anxiety at work

Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nicky Main and Therapist Kimberly Vered Shashoua, at VeredCounseling have provided their top tips to help reduce anxiety and improve overall wellbeing in the workplace. They say:

1. Track your triggers – “Mood tracking and monitoring can help identify specific triggers for stress, and what a good day might look like. This can make it easier to establish ways of working and operating that are less stressful.”
   
2. Rationalise – “Ask yourself, ‘will this matter in 10 years?’ This question helps put things in perspective. Getting a lower grade on one assignment isn’t going to matter in the long run.”
   
3. Prioritise – “Not everything needs our attention, so consider which tasks you can drop. It’s okay to whittle our to-do list to only urgent things. For example, wear clean laundry while it’s in the basket, it’s okay to not be on top of everything.”
   
4. Communicate with others – “Although stigma and shame might lead to some reluctance to talk to others, it’s important to speak up and connect with people, to talk about your problems, or just get some light relief. Try to talk to your employer or university about what ‘good’ looks like for you. Put structures and systems in place that will allow you to be at your best, such as flexible working or making sure you get a regular lunch break.”
   
5. Exercise – “Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Whether it’s a morning run, a yoga class, or a team sport, finding an activity that you enjoy and can stick to can have a big impact on your mental health.”
   
6. Rest  – “Getting enough sleep is crucial for managing stress and maintaining good mental health. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a consistent sleep routine to help your body and mind get into a rhythm.”
   

Please see below some key highlights from the study: 

• Copenhagen, Denmark ranks as Europe’s best city for mental wellbeing, with a happiness index of 7.64. 
• Barcelona, Spain ranks as Europe’s best city for spending time outdoors, with 2,591 hours of sunshine and 1,972 walking trails.
• Krakow, Poland is Europe’s worst city for spending time outdoors, with just 14 walking trails and air quality of 14.1.