It often is easy to forget about your mental health when trying to keep up with deadlines and busy schedules at work — but it is important to take care of yourself. If you don’t look after yourself, you could end up burning out or suffering from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or other stress-related disorders.

Here are five tips from a mental healthcare provider in Northwest Indiana to help you keep your stress levels down and be more effective in the workplace.

Try Breathing Exercises

Stress can cause irregular breathing, which in turn can trigger feelings of unease and anxiety. If you start to feel stressed at work, take a few minutes to breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest, then focus on taking slow, deep breaths into your abdomen (rather than just breathing into your chest). You should start to feel more relaxed in a matter of minutes.

Connect With Nature

It is easy to feel disconnected from nature when you work in an office. But even if you don’t have access to a nearby park, studies show that simply looking at plants or trees can make you feel happier, more relaxed and even more creative. Set up a plant in your office and leave it on your desk throughout the day as an added reminder to take time out of your busy schedule to be mindful and reconnect with nature.

Reach Out to Your Colleagues

Even when you love your job, sometimes things happen that can hurt your mental health. But if you are struggling to cope, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to your manager or other colleagues and tell them about it. Tell them why it happened, how you have been feeling lately, and what you plan to do to get back on track. Don’t be afraid of sounding vulnerable — people will appreciate your willingness to speak up, plus they might even have some good ideas on how they can help you. If you do not feel comfortable reaching out to anybody you work with, you can always contact a mental healthcare provider in Northwest Indiana.

Change Your Work Patterns

If you feel like your current work pattern is draining your energy, a mental healthcare provider may suggest that you try to change it up a little. Varying how you work — for example, swapping 9-5 hours for flexible hours or working from home one day per week — can be a great way to look after yourself and prevent burnout. After all, there is more than one way to work effectively. If you are hesitant about making these changes, remember that your mental health should be a top priority.

Reach Out to a Mental Healthcare Specialist

If you are experiencing problems with your mental health, you may want to reach out to a mental healthcare provider. They can help you work through your problems and teach you coping strategies. Seeking mental health support does not make you weak — it makes you strong.

Final Thoughts

It is no secret that your mental and physical health are connected. What you eat, how much you move, how much stress you experience — all these things affect your physical health as well as your mental health. So, it also is important to ensure that you look after your mental health at work. And with these tips, you can stay on top of your game at work and not let the pressures of office life take their toll on your mental health too much.

Looking for an Affordable Mental Healthcare Provider in Northwest Indiana?

We understand how difficult it can be to reach out and ask for help, but we want you to know that support is available. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with an affordable mental healthcare provider in Northwest Indiana, you’ve come to the right place. 219 Health Network has licensed behavioral health professionals on staff who can help you find effective ways of coping with stress and anxiety at work and in your everyday life. Contact us today to learn more.