It’s easy to become stressed as work responsibilities pile up and deadlines loom. While it’s common to exhibit concern, mounting pressure can also lead to mental health problems like anxiety or depression when left unchecked. To ensure your feelings don’t escalate, use the following guide to balance your worries and ease your mind.

How to Preserve Your Mental Health at Work

1. Communicate

Many people who are overly stressed at work aren’t certain about their performance or job security. If this is the case, it helps to openly communicate with supervisors, discuss your concerns, and receive constructive and actionable feedback.

2. Find Healthy Outlets

Visit a local fitness center after work. Not only is working out good for your body and overall health, but it also offers an outlet for all your stress. Whether you take an aerobics class, choose a meditative option like Pilates, or walk on the treadmill, it will give you a chance to clear your mind, and the endorphins released during physical activity will boost your mood.

3. Take Breaks

You shouldn’t work more than 90 minutes at a time without taking a break to clear your head. Stand up from your desk, stretch for a couple of minutes, grab a drink or snack, and take a short walk if possible. 5 to fifteen minutes is often all you need to refresh and prevent yourself from burning out. 

4. Be Social

An active social life is key to avoiding stress and depression. After work, try to spend quality time with your family and friends. Their positive energy and light mood will rub off on you, and you can also discuss your worries with people who care.

5. Recognize Warning Signs

Some degree of work stress is natural, but if you’re losing sleep, gaining or losing weight, or experiencing high levels of prolonged anxiety, it’s important to seek help before the problem worsens. A psychiatrist will work to restore your mental health by discussing the issue and introducing various strategies and coping mechanisms.

If you need mental health services in Nebraska, get in touch with the team at the Lincoln Psychiatric Group. For over 75 years, their skilled and seasoned doctors have been offering counseling, medication management, and other treatment options designed to support their patients’ overall mental well-being. Contact them online or call (402) 476-7557 today to schedule an appointment with a compassionate professional.