How to Prioritize Your Mental Health & Achieve Work-Life Balance

According to the World Health Organization, 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental health disorder in 2019, and it’s likely that this number has only increased post the pandemic. At the same time, mental health is not just about the absence of an illness, it is also about our ability to cope with the stressors of everyday life, reach our potential, learn and work well, as well as contribute meaningfully to the community. It’s unfortunate that in the hustle and bustle of everyday living, in our list of priorities and to-do’s, health, and in particular, mental health doesn’t get the kind of attention it is supposed to. 

Given the amount of time and energy most of us invest at work, conversations around workplace mental health can’t be ignored. Work is a protective factor when it comes to mental health. Along with providing a livelihood, it also gives us a sense of purpose and confidence, an avenue to interact with other people, and a structured routine and environment. At the same time, however, psychosocial risk factors at work can negatively impact our well-being. Some of these factors include the nature of job content and work schedules, lack of control and autonomy, inadequate career growth and bullying and harassment. 

The work-place can play a significant role when it comes to ensuring the mental health and well-being of our people. The reasons why most mental health conditions go untreated are related to lack of awareness, access and affordability, and it’s here where organizations can bridge the gap. Creating channels for open dialogue on mental health, providing access to resources for seeking help, and providing financial support for mental health treatment are all steps now being taken by organizations to support the well-being of employees. 

Work-life balance too is a joint responsibility of inpiduals and organizations together. It’s time to create a culture that prioritizes health and well-being. Work-life balance begins at work. It’s important for us to learn how to manage our time effectively, delegate tasks and establish boundaries where it’s ok to say ‘no’ when the workload or expectations become overwhelming. Taking short breaks are also effective in helping us rejuvenate – while you may feel like you don’t have the time to take a break, remember that timely breaks help boost our focus and productivity. 

The other half of work-life balance is to be engaged in personal life. Spend quality time with the people who matter. Invest your time and attention in relationships just as you would at work. Open up and share your thoughts and feelings with friends and family. Take some time out for yourself. Don’t compromise on your meals, physical activity or sleep. Do the things you enjoy doing – play a sport, engage in some creative activity or find a recreational activity that de-stresses you. Most importantly, if you find yourself struggling with a mental health concern, reach out for help – talk to a loved one, a colleague or a mental health professional, and get the support that you need.

Author: Dr. Samir Parikh, Director, Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare.