As May rolls in and many of us anticipate a well-deserved bank holiday, it’s essential to remember that this month holds significance beyond just leisure. May is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month, serving as a reminder to prioritize our mental well-being amidst the joys of warmer weather and sunshine.
It’s okay not to feel okay sometimes. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or burned out, you’re not alone. Mental health issues can affect anyone, and we can all take steps to prevent or manage them. Take a moment to reflect on your mental health with these questions:
• Have I been feeling less happy, confident, or in control lately?
• Are emotional problems hindering my work, relationships, or other aspects of my life?
• Do I feel stuck, trapped, or helpless to change my behavior or circumstances?
• Is my temper getting out of control? Do I feel more irritable than usual?
• Am I starting to withdraw from friends or family?
If you resonate with any of these questions, know that support is available. Here are some tips to lift your spirits and take care of yourself:
• Engage in conversations about mental health to reduce stigma.
• Talk to someone you trust, whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a therapist or coach.
• Nourish your body with healthy food, regular exercise and at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
• Set boundaries and take time off when needed.
• Practice mindfulness and spend time doing things that energize you, with people you love.
• Celebrate achievements.
• One of my achievements last month was being invited to Pandora’s Awareness Podcast, hosted by Asher Wright. Janna Willoughby-Lohr and I explore the profound connections between personal tragedy and business breakthroughs. Discover how pivotal moments set us on our current paths and helped us connect the dots in our lives.
Are you celebrating your achievements?
These are five elements that correlate most highly with employee burnout as per Gallup research:
- Unfair treatment at work
- Unmanageable workload
- Unclear communication from managers
- Lack of manager support
- Unreasonable time pressure