Workplace Wellbeing
The truth is, our fast-paced, high-pressure work environments can take a serious toll on our mental health at times. Stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges have become all too common - and it's time for that to change.
It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace. It’s important to acknowledge that taking care of mental health in the workplace isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s a priority for companies too. When mental health is overlooked, it affects everything, from productivity and creativity to overall job satisfaction and workplace harmony. A healthy workforce is a more productive, satisfied, and motivated one.
Let's break down how you can recognise the signs of stress and perfectionism and take actionable steps toward better mental health.
Stress is a natural part of life that we all experience. In manageable amounts, it can boost motivation, enhance focus, and drive productivity. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can negatively impact our mental health and overall wellbeing.
Common Signs of Stress:
Restlessness, interrupted sleep, muscle tension, headaches, chest pains, or skin breakouts.
Increased worry, irritability, trouble concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed.
Procrastination, strained relationships, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and lower productivity at work.
The Stress Bucket
Too much stress can affect our mental and physical health. MindSpot explain one way that we can think about the impact of stress is through the stress bucket.
Many high-achievers in the workplace struggle with perfectionism. While aiming for excellence can fuel success, unchecked perfectionism can lead to burnout, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem. It's important to recognise when the pursuit of perfection can become counterproductive. Embracing a balanced approach, setting realistic goals, and celebrating progress can help maintain well-being and productivity. Some signs of perfectionism can include:
• Setting unrealistic standards ("I must never miss a deadline").
• Measuring self-worth solely by achievements ("If I mess up, I'm a failure").
• Avoiding risks out of fear of failure.
• Continuing to uphold high standards even when burnt out.
If these signs resonate with you, it’s time to rethink your approach to success. At MindSpot, we provide resources to help manage both stress and perfectionism, ensuring they don’t control your career or life.
Managing stress, perfectionism and burnout doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At MindSpot, we’ve identified five key activities, known as The Big 5, that can help boost your mental health and wellbeing. Incorporating these activities into your workday can make a significant difference:
Meaningful Activities
Doing things that bring joy and a sense of accomplishment is crucial for wellbeing. In the workplace, this could mean taking pride in completing a project or finding fulfillment in helping others.
Examples:
• Take a few moments to listen to your favourite music during breaks.
• Volunteer for tasks or projects that align with your passions.
• Reconnect with the aspects of your job that originally excited you.
Healthy Thinking
Treat yourself and your colleagues with kindness. Challenge negative self-talk and manage expectations — nobody is perfect. In a high-pressure work environment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism or self-criticism, but taking a step back to reassess your thoughts can reduce stress.
Helpful Tip:
If you find yourself thinking, “I can’t make any mistakes,” or “I’m not doing enough,” pause and ask yourself, “Am I being too critical? Can I give myself a break?” Shifting your mindset can help you focus on progress rather than perfection.
Goals and Plans
Set small, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated. By breaking down large tasks into manageable steps, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and feel more in control of your workday.
Helpful Tip:
Start each day by setting three simple goals, such as finishing one project task, sending a key email, or taking a productive meeting.
• Celebrate your progress, no matter how small — it’s important to acknowledge wins along the way.
Healthy Routines
Healthy routines are the foundation of mental wellbeing. Think about past routines that made you feel good and make small adjustments to improve your daily habits at work. Consistency in routines can reduce stress and increase productivity.
Examples:
• Incorporate movement into your day by stretching between tasks.
• Commit to taking lunch breaks to recharge.
• Establish a consistent start and end time for your workday to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Social Connections
Strong workplace relationships can provide emotional support and help you feel more connected. Keep in touch with colleagues and engage with your team to strengthen your support network. Building positive relationships at work can reduce feelings of isolation and help you manage stress.
Examples:
• Take time to check in with a colleague.
• Join a workplace social group or project.
• Participate in team activities.
It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace. Stress, burnout, and perfectionism can have a profound impact on our work performance and our overall wellbeing. By taking small steps—whether it's setting boundaries, fostering connections, or creating healthier routines—you can make a lasting difference.
At MindSpot, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our evidence-based treatments are designed to help you identify and manage stress, overcome mental health challenges, and cultivate a healthier mindset.
It starts with a simple step
Explore how MindSpot can help you reclaim balance, both in and outside of the workplace.
