Since 1949 May has been the month to highlight the struggles we face regarding mental health and its stigmas. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, there is still time to celebrate and practice ways to help with this profound issue. Many of us have found our way back to working in the office. This pitches the thought on how to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month at work. There are numerous mental health awareness and self-care activities to practice in the workplace. Here are 5 totally impactful Mental Health Awareness Month ideas you can do at work. Give one a try, or plan a few for one week out each month. Supporting employees and colleagues is a great way to show your appreciation for your work environment.
5 Ways To Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month At Work
1 Initiate a “no-contact” time after work.
Winding down from a long day at work is often neglected but is essential. Taking 30 minutes of quiet, uninterrupted time after work can be a cleansing reset to your mind and body. Actually, it can be better than happy hour. It is important to respect your coworker’s boundaries as they respect yours after you clock out. Turning your phone off. Avoiding notifications. Having absolutely no interruptions. Just spending this time listening to music, meditating, reading, or whatever it is relieves the soul and relaxes the mind.
2 Get lunch as a team.
Breaking bread as a team is a very old team-building exercise, but it is beneficial. So get everyone out of the office for some casual conversations that don’t include matters like contracts and deadlines. This is also a way to get to know your coworker and broaden your friendship. These easy outings could be a priceless monthly addition to your mental health improvement in the office.
3 Give out wellness gifts.
Surprising your coworkers with anything that can help them/ you chill and find a little zen is a nice gesture to show your appreciation. Some ideas may be a new coffee mug, an inspiring book, or a gift card for their chosen spa treatment. Personalizing these gifts creates an extra considerate connection. Small gestures like this let your coworkers know you see them, you’re listening, and that you care.
4 Host a mental health awareness workshop.
You may have coworkers who have never been concerned about mental health. However, that does not mean they should still be unaware of what is going on socially. So many people battle with thoughts or emotions they can’t explain, and some of those people you may be working next to every day. Hosting an awareness workshop on mental health can educate your employees and possibly answer some questions they didn’t actually know they had. Remember, Knowledge is power. Educate yourself and your coworkers to help identify any potential mental health issues or lookout for signs in colleagues.
5 Plan a meditation class for coworkers.
Giving a chance for some peaceful time amidst the daily workday can be both beneficial and would be extremely appreciated. Meditation provides balance and reflection on one’s feelings, so when things get wild, your stressors are less heavy than they normally would be. A few minutes throughout the day produces hours of mental health benefits. In addition, group sessions can create room for more bonding exercises when meditating.
*Bonus
6 Order breakfast for the team!
Since 1949 May has been the month to highlight the struggles we face regarding mental health and its stigmas. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, there is still time to celebrate and practice ways to help with this profound issue. Many of us have found our way back to working in the office. This pitches the thought on how to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month at work. There are numerous mental health awareness and self-care activities to practice in the workplace. Here are 5 totally impactful Mental Health Awareness Month ideas you can do at work. Give one a try, or plan a few for one week out each month. Supporting employees and colleagues is a great way to show your appreciation for your work environment.
5 Ways To Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month At Work
1 Initiate a “no-contact” time after work.
Winding down from a long day at work is often neglected but is essential. Taking 30 minutes of quiet, uninterrupted time after work can be a cleansing reset to your mind and body. Actually, it can be better than happy hour. It is important to respect your coworker’s boundaries as they respect yours after you clock out. Turning your phone off. Avoiding notifications. Having absolutely no interruptions. Just spending this time listening to music, meditating, reading, or whatever it is relieves the soul and relaxes the mind.
2 Get lunch as a team.
Breaking bread as a team is a very old team-building exercise, but it is beneficial. So get everyone out of the office for some casual conversations that don’t include matters like contracts and deadlines. This is also a way to get to know your coworker and broaden your friendship. These easy outings could be a priceless monthly addition to your mental health improvement in the office.
3 Give out wellness gifts.
Surprising your coworkers with anything that can help them/ you chill and find a little zen is a nice gesture to show your appreciation. Some ideas may be a new coffee mug, an inspiring book, or a gift card for their chosen spa treatment. Personalizing these gifts creates an extra considerate connection. Small gestures like this let your coworkers know you see them, you’re listening, and that you care.
4 Host a mental health awareness workshop.
You may have coworkers who have never been concerned about mental health. However, that does not mean they should still be unaware of what is going on socially. So many people battle with thoughts or emotions they can’t explain, and some of those people you may be working next to every day. Hosting an awareness workshop on mental health can educate your employees and possibly answer some questions they didn’t actually know they had. Remember, Knowledge is power. Educate yourself and your coworkers to help identify any potential mental health issues or lookout for signs in colleagues.
5 Plan a meditation class for coworkers.
Giving a chance for some peaceful time amidst the daily workday can be both beneficial and would be extremely appreciated. Meditation provides balance and reflection on one’s feelings, so when things get wild, your stressors are less heavy than they normally would be. A few minutes throughout the day produces hours of mental health benefits. In addition, group sessions can create room for more bonding exercises when meditating.
*Bonus
6 Order breakfast for the team!
Hey! Isn’t breakfast the most important meal of the day, right? Why not start it off by providing a nice breakfast snack to start your workday with your team. What we consume can also impact our mental health over time. The foods we eat play a big part in choosing our moods and mental and emotional balances for that day. So maybe surprise the office with muffins, oatmeal, or smoothies. Delivering a hearty yet healthy breakfast for your team is good for the body and mind.
Mental Health Importance in the Work Place.
With the discussion of employee care at the forefront of HR professionals worldwide, it has become clear that we have raised the volume of these conversations. In late 2021, a survey of 322 US employers showed that over 80% believed helping employees address stress, anxiety, and their overall mental health was or should be a priority, especially after the pandemic. It is also important to get annual mental health screenings, have stress management discussions, and get involved with wellness programs. Taking care of your mental health should always be the top priority. Coming up with ways to help mental health awareness and support your coworkers is just as important. The workplace should allow everyone to feel more comfortable about their personal situations and give them the ability to recognize they’re not alone.
Hey! Isn’t breakfast the most important meal of the day, right? Why not start it off by providing a nice breakfast snack to start your workday with your team. What we consume can also impact our mental health over time. The foods we eat play a big part in choosing our moods and mental and emotional balances for that day. So maybe surprise the office with muffins, oatmeal, or smoothies. Delivering a hearty yet healthy breakfast for your team is good for the body and mind.
Mental Health Importance in the Work Place.
With the discussion of employee care at the forefront of HR professionals worldwide, it has become clear that we have raised the volume of these conversations. In late 2021, a survey of 322 US employers showed that over 80% believed helping employees address stress, anxiety, and their overall mental health was or should be a priority, especially after the pandemic. It is also important to get annual mental health screenings, have stress management discussions, and get involved with wellness programs. Taking care of your mental health should always be the top priority. Coming up with ways to help mental health awareness and support your coworkers is just as important. The workplace should allow everyone to feel more comfortable about their personal situations and give them the ability to recognize they’re not alone.