5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mental Health at Work

Mental health is important and structuring your working week can have a massive impact on reducing stress and improving your overall mental health. Here’s some of our top tips to get you on the right track…

Plan ahead
We all have those moments in the morning where we feel we’ve forgotten something, instantly putting us in a bad mood for the start of the day. Save yourself the extra stress and give yourself more time in the morning by packing your bag, making your lunch and getting your clothes together the night before.

Morning motivation
The most successful people, from Oprah to Elon Musk, are up before 6am every day! If that doesn’t say it all, we’re not sure what does. Getting up early not only has a ton of benefits, but also gives you much needed uninterrupted time, giving you a head start on the day. Apps like Headspace can help you clear your mind for the day, while Buddhify, available on iTunes and Google Play, is a meditation and mindfulness app designed to be used on the go — whether you’re on a train, plane or otherwise. Better, healthier commutes? Count us in!

Create a better environment
Where you work has a huge effect on your mood. No one wants to work in a dark, dull office, but if you’re unlucky enough to end up in one, make it your own! Adding a plant or two, some colourful stationery or a photo of your pet can help to increase your happiness, so next time you’re putting together that important board presentation, you can do it with a smile on your face.

Champion open communication
We spend over 35% of our total waking hours at work. (Yes, you read that correctly!) To ensure your working life is as fulfilling and healthy as it possibly can be, it’s important to build a support system. But rather than your typical water cooler gossip, why not start trying to foster meaningful conversation with your coworkers? Sure, it may feel slightly forced at first, but the ability to bring your whole, true self to work is what will ultimately sustain and keep you engaged in your working life.

Take Sanctus, for example, who we recently hosted an event with! They’re an organisation working with the likes of Red Bull, Aviva and Vice to help them create an open environment where mental health is supported and people can bring their full self to work through coaching and company workshops. Why not start your own?

Get social
It’s important to take work seriously, but all work and no play is a recipe for disaster. Allow yourself time during the week to socialise, whether that’s catching up with friends over dinner or taking a fitness class. Get out and socialise with people that you don’t spend your entire week with.

At LABS, it’s important that we help our members get moving. With weekly yoga and spin classes you’re never short of an opportunity to get fit and meet like-minded individuals. So, what are you waiting for? Book a tour today and come see what we’re all about.