Mental Health Tips to Beat Stress
More than one in four Americans describe themselves as “super stressed,” according to Mental Health America, the country's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live mentally healthier lives. Feeling stressed often results from struggling to find a work/life balance among professional, family and social commitments.
Poor mental health can affect concentration, make individuals feel irritable or depressed, and harm personal and professional relationships. These feelings also manifest physically, resulting in a weakened immune system and even increasing risk for heart disease.
May is National Mental Health Month, a health observance that focuses the nation's attention on promoting mental health and improving access to treatment for people with mental illnesses. The National Mental Health Association (NMHA), the lead sponsor of Mental Health Month, offers the following mental health tips to help you both at work and at home:
At Work |
Set manageable goals each day. Being able to meet priorities helps us feel a sense of accomplishment and control. |
Be efficient with your time at work. When we procrastinate, the task often grows in our minds until it seems insurmountable. So when you face a big project at work or home, start by dividing it into smaller tasks. |
Ask for flexibility. Flex time and telecommuting are quickly becoming established as necessities in today's business world, and many companies are drafting work/life policies. |
Take five. Taking a break at work is not only acceptable, it is often encouraged by many employers. Small breaks at work – or on any project – will help clear your head and improve your ability to deal with stress and make good decisions when you jump back into the grind. |
Tune in. Listen to your favorite music at work to foster concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate creativity. |
Communicate effectively. Be honest with colleagues or your boss when you feel you're in a bind. Chances are, you are not alone. But don't just complain – suggest practical alternatives. |
Give yourself a break. No one is perfect! Allow yourself to be human and just do the best you can. |
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At Home |
Turn off your PDA. By all means, make yourself available – especially if you have earned the right to “flex” your hours – but recognize the need for personal time, too. |
Divide and conquer. Make sure responsibilities at home are evenly distributed and clearly outlined – you will avoid confusion and problems later. |
Do not overcommit. Do you feel stressed when you just glance at your calendar? If you are overscheduled with activities, learn to say “no.” |
Get support. People with stronger support systems have more aggressive immune responses to illnesses than those who lack such support. |
Take advantage of your company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many organizations offer resources through an EAP, which can save you precious time by providing guidance on issues like where to find a daycare center and caretaking for an elderly parent, as well as referrals to mental health and other services. |
Stay active. Aside from its well-known physical benefits, regular exercise reduces stress, depression and anxiety, and enables people to better cope with adversity, according to researchers. |
Treat your body right. Being in good shape physically increases your tolerance to stress and reduces sick days. Eat right, exercise and get adequate rest. |
Get help if you need it. Don't let stress stand in the way of your health and happiness. If you are constantly overwhelmed, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. |
Penn Behavioral Health is a national leader in the diagnosis, management and treatment of behavioral, mental health and addictive disorders. Our highly trained professionals are committed to patient care. For more information or to make an appointment with one of our physicians, call 1-800-789-PENN (7366).
For more information on mental health management and treatment, visit www.nmha.org.
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