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This Mental Health Awareness Week we're setting a challenge. Life is busy, and it’s all too easy to concentrate on the practical tasks at hand without stopping to think about your overall wellbeing. But we're asking you to do just that, with some handy tips to help you focus on your mental health and wellbeing.
It only takes a few minutes to reflect on how you’re feeling and check you have the right techniques in place to manage your wellbeing. Whether that’s a trip to the golf course or weekly scheduled run, or time booked into your diary to get a massage or meet a trusted friend for lunch. You may also want to look at things you’ve not tried before, such as guided meditation or starting to write down how you’re feeling.
Taking care of your wellbeing
Here are a few areas that are worth monitoring this week, and in the coming months, to help you proactively manage your mental health.
Look out for early signs that you need a break, such as feeling overly tired, disinterested or detached
Talk about any challenges you’re facing with your supervisor or a Mental Health First Aider, and if you’re not sure who that may be on site reach out to line manager for support
Take time out when you’re feeling overwhelmed
Make sure you’ve got the right work-life balance in place to allow you to have enough downtime
Familiarise yourself with what help is available, you might not need it now but it’s a good idea to know how to access it if you do
Support each other
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on community, and the difference we can all make if we work together to support each other. But what does that look like?
Recognising colleagues when they look like they are struggling, whether you talk to them directly or raise your concerns with your supervisor
Taking time to ask your colleagues and friends how they are feeling, which may mean asking twice to double check they are ok
Proactively identifying when situations may become stressful, to help alleviate any potential distress
Being an advocate for mental health, and letting your colleagues and friends know you’re always available to chat with them
Start a conversation about mental health
It can be a tricky thing to do, initiate a conversation with someone about their mental health, and if you’re worried that you may not be the right person to do it then always seek professional advice.
Mental Health UK has created a conversation guide to help you navigate your way, and you can read this below.
Use mental health resources available to you
If you work with NRL on of our client sites, then you might find our new worker wellbeing app, Wellbeing at Work, a helpful resource. In it you’ll find practical advice and links to further resources that you can use the manage your mental health, wellbeing and money – all of which have an impact on your day-to-day mood and feelings.
To gain access to the Wellbeing at Work app simply submit a request below, using the email address that you use for payslip or invoice management. Once you are set-up, you can save the app to your mobile home screen for easy access.
Remember the Lighthouse team is here to help
As a worker in the construction and engineering sector the Lighthouse charity can provide free mental health support to you and your family. Here at NRL we’re proud company supporters of the fantastic work the Lighthouse team does to help people and families in their time of need.
From assistance with bereavement, trauma, depression, anxiety and stress, to relationship support.
Their services are available 24/7 and help is always provided without judgement.