In the hustle and bustle of the modern work world, where deadlines and responsibilities often take precedence, it’s easy to neglect our mental health. As someone who has experienced both traditional employment and self-employment, I’ve learned that prioritizing mental health is crucial, regardless of your work status. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal journey and the strategies I’ve developed to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Daily Check-Ins:
One of the cornerstones of my mental health strategy is to take time to check in with myself daily. It’s essential to recognize how I’m feeling, understand my emotional state, and identify any stressors affecting my well-being. This simple practice helps me stay grounded and self-aware, allowing me to address issues as they arise. Whether I’m working for an employer or running my own business, these daily self-assessments are a constant in my routine.
Establishing Clear Boundaries:
Maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life is crucial for preserving mental health. In both employment situations, I’ve made it a priority to set specific work hours and stick to them. This practice not only ensures I have time for personal activities and self-care but also prevents work-related stress from encroaching on my personal life.
Positive Relationships:
Building positive relationships with colleagues and professional partners has been another key aspect of prioritizing my mental health. In the workplace, fostering a supportive and understanding environment can make all the difference. Open communication and empathy with others, as well as receiving support when needed, have played a vital role in my overall well-being.
Dedicating Time to Personal Enjoyment:
To recharge my batteries, I make sure to spend time doing things I genuinely enjoy outside of work. Reading, listening to music, and socializing with friends and family are activities that help me relax and maintain a healthy mental state. These activities serve as a counterbalance to the demands of the working world, whether I’m employed by someone else or working for myself.
Engaging in Organized Social Activities:
Participating in organized social activities that allow me to connect with others outside of the professional sphere has proven to be immensely beneficial. For instance, being part of a choir has enabled me to share my passion for music while building friendships with like-minded individuals. Engaging in such activities helps me to maintain a sense of community and offers a unique perspective that complements my work life.
Empowering Conversations about Autism:
Being autistic, I’ve had numerous conversations with former line managers and colleagues about my experiences. These discussions have been incredibly positive and empowering for my mental health. By sharing my perspective and needs, I’ve been able to help others understand how I process information differently. In turn, this has led to greater support and accommodations, ensuring that I thrive in my work environment.
I have found that prioritizing mental health in both traditional employment and self-employment is a journey that demands self-awareness, commitment, and effective strategies. Regular check-ins with myself, maintaining clear boundaries, nurturing positive relationships, and dedicating time to personal enjoyment are all critical components of this journey. Additionally, participating in organised social activities and having empowering conversations about unique challenges can enhance mental well-being. Ultimately, while I, like many others, may not control every aspect of our work life, I do have the power to shape how we interact with it and, in doing so, safeguard our mental health.