We all remember the plethora of advice we received during lockdown. ‘Remember to get outside!’ ‘Walk for your mental health!’ ‘Keep active and healthy!’
Even though we are (thankfully!) well out of the ‘covid era’, this advice should not be forgotten. It is Mental Health Awareness Week, and we are reflecting on how our mental health effects every part of our lives. This includes how we feel at work and how this can influence our behaviour and our drive to achieve the best during the hours of 9 ‘til 5.
At our Exeter office, we are lucky to have Southernhay Gardens, as well as the city centre at our doorstep. No matter the ever-changing English weather, we all try to get out and about on our lunch break. A little walk down the gardens, or some window shopping in town.
Staring at a wall, or just out of a window, can cage us in during the day. Although we may want to sit at our desks and catch up with the latest episode of a series we are probably obsessed with, we encourage each other to leave our computers behind. Some of us will leave together to have a wander, others walk for as long as we can to increase our ‘step count’, and we can take advantage of shopping during the week and avoiding the weekend crowds in Primark and Marks & Spencer’s.
The littlest things can make such a difference on our mental health. If you ever find yourself struggling, make sure to contact your local GP and then search for resources on how to change your lifestyle to encourage positive changes.
The usual ‘suspects’ you can reflect on have always been looking after your sleep schedule, getting enough exercise, improving your diet and alcohol intake, managing your stress, and reducing the amount of time you spend on your various technical devices (that includes your work computer on your lunch hour!).
Easier said than done of course. And sometimes very difficult to bend for busy schedules.
But make sure to ask for help when you need it. Your workplace should always have a contact for you to make sure you are as healthy as you can be whilst you are in the office. The mental health charity, ‘Mind’, has dedicated resources for your mental health at work. If you need inspiration to help improve your situation, check their website here for more information.
Happy Mental Health Week from everyone here at Accountancy Learning.
P.S.: We can try to help you too! For our current students, remember we offer ‘course pauses’ if you ever find that you need a little break from studying. You can look after yourself without exams looming over you!
