Mental health, a subject that warrants attention every day, takes center stage in May. At Careworks, we are seizing this opportunity to discuss strategies for fostering and maintaining good mental health, and its crucial role in an injured employee’s journey.
Experiencing an injury is not just physically painful, but emotionally taxing as well. The process of recovery — whether predominantly physical or psychological — can be fraught with fear and uncertainty. Fear could stem from the prospect of another injury, the recovery process itself, the unknowns that lie ahead, or a potential loss of income, among other things. In any scenario, behavioral health specialists serve as invaluable allies, providing validation, education, a sympathetic ear and supplemental support, especially when individuals are navigating uncharted territories. But behavioral health specialists are not the sole solution. Self-care plays a pivotal role, too.
Daily self-care practices that can bolster mental well-being include:
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and those around you.
- Practice meditation and breathwork.
- Maintain a gratitude journal to process your emotions.
- Show kindness to yourself and those you interact with.
- Establish boundaries in interpersonal relationships.
- Limit your exposure to social media.
- Restrict screen time with all electronic devices.
- Maintain an ideal work-life balance.
- Stay physically active by integrating exercise into daily life.
These self-care practices serve as excellent daily check-ins with yourself. While not all practices resonate with everyone, some can significantly improve mood, boost energy levels and reduce stress. Limiting social media exposure, for example, can aid in tempering emotions, thereby reducing feelings of anger, disappointment and stress.
A survey by Calm revealed that work — even more than finances — acts as the primary stressor for most people. To that end, it is crucial for employees in managerial positions to hold regular check-ins with employees. These discussions should foster an open dialogue about current emotions and potential work-related stressors, and serve as an opportunity to better understand the employee. Sharing your own feelings can facilitate comfort and a trusting environment, which can enable the employee to articulate their challenges more effectively. Emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and ensuring each employee has a sustainable workload is also vital.
Work-life balance has become even more critical in the context of remote working. Managers may find it challenging to gauge an employee’s feelings or thoughts without in-person interactions. Implementing measures that promote a healthy work-life balance can help support employees’ physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance:
- Refrain from sending emails after hours.
- If working late, schedule emails to be sent the next morning during work hours.
- Managers should avoid calling or texting employees after hours.
- Take time to recharge and enjoy your time off.
- Encourage coworkers to use their vacation time or PTO.
- Unplug from work during off hours.
- Inform employees about health and wellness benefits.
Maintaining robust mental health is as important as physical health. By promoting open conversations, educating each other on mental health practices and available resources, and advocating for others, we can foster an inclusive and accepting community and workplace. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Careworks, we’re here to help.