May is dedicated to National Mental Awareness Month, and the theme for this year is “Back to Basics.” Being isolated for two because of the pandemic, political antagonism, and constant episodes of racism and system oppression, Mental Health America asks us to return to the basics of self-care and prioritize our mental health.
According to the website and toolkit of Mental Health America, around half of America’s population will go through a mental health condition discovered by psychiatrists, later in life, with symptoms becoming evident by the age of 24. Since it is challenging to perceive mental sickness, coupled with the stigma attached to getting it treated, the delay between symptom onset and treatment is, on average, 11 years, meaning that a lot of time is wasted facing the mental health challenges before getting a diagnosis.
Although mental health has been a buzzword in the corporate world, only a few leaders understand how important it is to tend to their employees’ mental health and their own. Here are some ideas by leaders which helps them prioritize their mental health at the workplace.
You can’t lead if your exhausted
Ashley Gordon, the founder of Quantum Coaching Academy, says burnout is a cultural plague that can be avoided. Preventing burnout as a leader begins with mental wellness, nervous system regulation, and intentional boundaries. She adds that the “clear, fill, and protect process” is an integral part of her daily routine to keep her energy constant when leading others.
What Ashely does and advises others to do the same is close their eyes and imagine a waterfall taking away the energies you might have attracted from the others from the day before. Do this when you encounter difficulty, after calls or meetings, or at the end of the day to bring back your energy.
Focus on getting 1% better each day
The COO of Viral Growth Media says that leaders must have a firm grip on their mental health. Add meditation or mindfulness routine to your daily life, or hire an EMDR therapist to help you survive any internal issues holding you back.
Be the writer of your own story.
CEO and founder of Marshall Growth Institute say that you have significant influence over the words you speak and write. Most of us do not question our actions, phrases, or ideas. We get so focused on our success that it becomes the only thing that matters to us in life – but what if this isn’t the case?
To him, it is said that people live according to others’ opinions of how they should be and what they should do, so be the writer of your own story. Live with assurance that perception can overcome fear, stress, and anxiety.
Give some time off work to enjoy other activities.
Robin Gargano, CEO, and founder of L4, Livin’ Life’ Lovin’ Life, says that when a leader creates a mental health balance in the workplace, they have succeeded in recognizing the importance of a positive and productive team. Research says that creating a play culture increase job satisfaction, well-being, creativity, and productivity. Employees feel less exhausted from work, weariness, boredom, and stress, creating a healthy workplace environment.
Encourage emotional balance
Bringing out our creative side will help us discover emotions and achieve new skills. Dr. Olga Zbarskaya, president of OZ CREDO Institute of Creative Thinking, suggests incorporating intellectual thinking and mindfulness in your daily routine and taking hold of the environment. According to him, originality reduces anxiety, depression, and stress.
Focus on things you can control
Partnering with Elena Cardone, Exp Realty says that you should have some time in your life to ponder over and focus on things you can change compared to worrying over things that are not in your control. Leaders should be mentally, physically, and spiritually strong and know that their job is to do what others are unwilling to do and set an example for others to follow.
There is various other expert advice that can help the leaders focus on their mental health as well so that they are mentally present at the time when their team members need them the most.