Insights

Tips to stay mentally healthy at work

Barry • Feb 05, 2019

The first Monday in February is known as ‘National Sickie Day’ in the UK as it’s usually the day with the highest number of workers calling in sick! Excuses given tend to be colds, flu and food poisoning, but a poll by ITV showed that the true reasons were generally ‘feeling tired’ and ‘just didn’t feel like it’.


Disguising mental problems as physical issues is a very common work issue; it’s still much more socially acceptable to claim illness than state that you are feeling down and need a break. But with approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing mental health problems each year, isn’t it time we started looking after our brains as much as our bodies?


Jobs in property, particularly estate agency, are often prone to mental health issues. You can do your job perfectly, but your income can still be affected by unforeseen events, like a buyer suddenly changing their mind or a chain falling apart.


It’s not uncommon for estate agents to be verbally abused or treated badly by their emotionally vulnerable clients who are also under a great deal of stress. Spending a lot of your working life dealing with highly sensitive situations can be exhausting and take a toll on your mental and physical wellbeing. Mental health issues can also often be prompted by other life-changing events such as marriage, divorce, pregnancy or death.

The good news is that there are some relatively easy ways to boost your mental health and wellbeing.


Our tips to stay mentally healthy

Get more exercise


It’s a well-known fact that physical health is closely linked to mental health. Research from healthcare provider AXA PPP has shown that property workers are the least mobile in the UK; staying active for only 42 minutes a day, compared to the 1 hour 23 minutes average. Consider walking to work or appointments, getting a headset so you can move around on phone calls or going for a short walk at lunchtime. Here are some great ideas for getting more exercise at your desk.


Create better boundaries


Clearly separating your work and personal lives is one of the most effective ways to boost your mental wellbeing. We all need to work late sometimes to meet deadlines but try to make it the exception rather than the norm. Regularly working long hours can dramatically affect your work-life balance, but there’s also lots of research showing that it hinders your work performance and productivity. Writing a to-do list at the end of each day can also help you to stop thinking about work when you’re off the clock.


Take breaks


Did you know the average UK worker only takes a 22 minute lunch break and 1 in 5 don’t leave their desk at all at lunchtime? Stepping away from work for a bit may seem like you’re wasting time, but will actually boost your productivity, as well as helping to manage stress levels by giving you time to refocus. Reading a book, listening to music or going outside to get some fresh air are some of the most relaxing ways to spend your break, but if you haven’t got time then just make yourself a drink or chat to a colleague.


Be honest


60% of UK employees have said they would feel uncomfortable discussing a mental health condition with their employer but avoiding discussing problems is going to make it much harder to reach solutions. There are lots of adjustments you could make to your working life to boost your mental wellbeing, such as adapting your workload, shifting your hours or working from home, but these can only happen if you talk to your manager.


Get more sleep


Living with mental health problems can often affect your sleep, and poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health, creating a vicious cycle. We sleep fewer hours than ever before; 16% of adults in the UK sleep for fewer than six hours a night and it’s having an impact on our mental wellbeing. The key to getting more sleep is routine; going to bed at roughly the same time every night, waking up around the same time and doing the same things before you go to sleep. This helps your brain prepare for sleep automatically.


Consider changing jobs


If you’re finding the pressure of your current role just too much, are looking for a shorter commute or just want a change of scene, moving to a new job could be the right solution. At Collins Property Recruitment, all of our consultants work flexibly and we recognise the value of a good work-life balance. If you’re ready to make the move, get in touch on 020 7435 0309 or info@cpr.jobs.


The mental health charity Mind has many more great tips for staying well at work.

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