As a manager, whether you’re working as a Team Lead, in People Operations or the HR department, you are likely to face a number of mental health challenges in your work. 

These can include stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in facing these challenges. Many other managers also face mental health challenges in their work. There are a number of resources available to help you deal with these challenges.

One of the best things you can do is to modify your lifestyle and get used to a new, better routine. Let’s dive into the “new normal” and how to try to be hands-on in these situations. 

A Manager’s Life is Stressful 

And that is pretty much normal for any human being. There are different types of stress that we face in our daily lives, but sometimes the stress can be too much for us to handle. 

When the stress is hanging around too much, it can lead to burnout. 

Burnout

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can result from chronic or long-term exposure to stress. 

It is important to know the signs of burnout so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you.

Burnout is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you are experiencing any of the signs of burnout, make sure to take steps to prevent it from happening. 

• Increased cynicism or negative outlook: If you find yourself constantly looking at the negative side of things, it may be a sign that you’re headed for burnout. Try to focus on the positive aspects of your life and work, and take breaks when you need to.

• Disengagement from work or other activities: If you’re no longer interested in the things you used to enjoy, it may be a sign of burnout. Make sure to take time for yourself and do things that make you happy.

• Feeling exhausted all the time: Exhaustion is one of the most common signs of burnout. If you’re constantly tired, make sure to get enough sleep and rest.

• Trouble sleeping:Burnout can cause problems with sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try to relax before bed and create a bedtime routine.

• Changes in appetite: Burnout can affect your appetite. If you’re not eating as much as you used to or you’re overeating, it may be a sign that you’re headed for burnout. Make sure to eat healthy foods and take breaks when you need to.

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs: If you’re using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, it may be a sign of burnout. Try to find other ways to cope with stress, such as exercise or talking to a friend.

• Unexplained physical ailments: If you’re experiencing physical symptoms that can’t be explained, it may be a sign of burnout. Make sure to see a doctor if you’re having unexplained physical symptoms.

• Feeling like you’re never good enough: If you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, it may be a sign of burnout. Try to build up your self-confidence by doing things that make you feel good about yourself.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to take steps to work on your mental wellbeing and prevent burnout. 

6 Steps on How to Improve Your Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but unfortunately, it is often neglected. Here are six steps on how to improve it or at least give it a good try – it worked for many others:

1. Taking breaks and setting boundaries: 

Make sure to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and walk around, stretch, or do something that will help you relax. Working non-stop can be detrimental to your mental health. Make sure you are setting boundaries with your work and other commitments. Don’t try to do everything – know when to say no!

2. Eating healthy: 

Eating healthy foods will help you to feel better both physically and mentally. Avoid processed foods and make sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats.

3. Getting enough sleep: 

Sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. Make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is essential for good mental health. Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and try to stick to a regular sleep schedule.

4. Exercising and meditation: 

Exercise and meditation are both excellent stress management techniques. Exercise can help to release tension and improve your overall mood, while meditation can help to calm your mind and allow you to focus on the present moment.  

Meditation is underestimated as a stress reliever. It’s not as intense or “serious” as sweating it out at the gym, but research has shown that it can be more effective in the long run. A 2014 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people who underwent an eight-week mindfulness meditation program had significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those in a control group. 

They also had better sleep and felt more capable of managing their stress.

Exercise is a well-known stress buster, but it’s not the only one. A recent study found that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week can help improve anxiety symptoms in people with an anxiety disorder. And another small study found that regular exercise helped people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) control their panic attacks and improve their quality of life.

Of course, it’s not always possible to meditate or exercise when you’re feeling stressed. But there are other ways to cope with stress that don’t require a lot of time or effort. 

5. Connecting with others: 

Spending time with friends and family can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Talking to someone about what you’re going through can also be helpful. Isolation can enhance feelings of anxiety and depression. 

Make sure to stay connected with friends and family, and consider joining a support group or participating in community activities.

6. Taking vacations: 

Vacations are a great way to reduce stress and rejuvenate yourself. Even if you can’t take a long vacation, taking a few days off here and there can make a difference.

By following these tips, you can improve your mental health in the workplace and create a more positive work environment for yourself and the others. 

And What About the Others?

The HR department, People Operations, Team Leaders and all managers who deal with the employees directly can positively influence the mental health of the others in several ways. 

As a core member of the company, dealing with the employees, you can provide support and resources to employees who are struggling with mental health issues. 

This can include things like providing access to counseling services, offering employee assistance programs, or even just having someone to talk to in the HR department who is trained in dealing with mental health issues. 

The HR department can create policies and procedures that are designed to promote a healthy work-life balance for employees. Flexible work schedules, telecommuting options, or even just providing information on how to manage stress in the workplace will already get positive response within the workplace. 

There are many other ways to take care of the people in your company but first and foremost, your own mental state and positive approach to the challenges. 

By taking these steps, the HR department can help to create a work environment that is more supportive of mental health and can help to prevent mental health issues from developing in the first place.