Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Mental Health for Corporate Employees

IST's Gives Back

We know that strong mental and physical health are essential components of well-being. Millions of individuals battle mental health struggles every day, with a reported 1 in 5 individuals suffering from a mental health condition. IST Gives Back acknowledges the complexities of this task and the stigma that surrounds struggling with mental health, specifically in a corporate setting. Thankfully, many incredible and often free online resources and informational tools exist. As a community outreach program, our responsibility is to continue the conversation - encouraging vulnerable discussions. 

Maintaining strong mental health is crucial for personal well-being and our effectiveness as team members, leaders, friends, family members, and neighbors. The world today is fast-paced and highly stressful, making it more crucial than ever to prioritize mental health in all aspects of life. In 2024, a healthy work-life balance, robust stress-management skills, and a reliable self-care routine are essential for personal fulfillment and professional success.

Below are three actionable habits everyone should have in their daily toolkit:

• Practice Mindfulness.
• Monitor our News, Social Media, and other Outside Stimuli.
• Stay Active and Nourish Our Body. 

Maintaining Work–Life Balance



Besides general strategies to keep ourselves grounded and well prepared to take on the stressors of everyday life, there is a bit more customization needed for each individual to perfect their work-life balance. The following suggestions may serve as inspiration for a routine that suits each of us individually.

At Work: 

• Set Manageable Daily Goals. Studies show that the more control we feel in our work, the less stress we feel. Setting and completing realistic expectations allows you to move at a practical pace. 
• Avoid Procrastination. The key to tackling a large workload is to divide and conquer. When we let tasks build up, they can start to feel impossible. 
• Take a Break. While undertaking high-stress, large-scale projects, incremental breaks provide much-needed opportunities to re-center focus.
• Communicate Effectively. When we're scared to ask questions or voice our difficulties to our team or boss, we limit our chances of receiving support or clarification. Nine times out of ten, we aren't alone in how we feel.

At Home: 

• Unplug. Technology superpowers our productivity in the office, but at home, our brains and bodies will thank us for a break from screens. 
• Stay Active. Regular exercise strengthens our immune systems and reduces stress, depression, and anxiety. 
• Don't Over Commit. When we overbook ourselves without breaks to rest and recharge, we can feel mentally and physically burnt out. 
• Ask for Help. Solid support systems and intricate community networks increase our physical and mental well-being. Speaking up when we need support is not a sign of weakness but strength! 

It can be difficult to gauge when we are experiencing an average level of daily stressors versus an unmanageable level. Much like our physical health, the pursuit of strong mental health habits is a cycle, not a one-time achievement. Company culture, communities, and individuals can benefit from increased emphasis on mindfulness and extending grace for ourselves and others through the mental healthcare process.

Sources: https://mhanational.org | https://mentalhealth-uk.org