In our fast-paced lives, it can be easy to overlook just how much our mental wellbeing affects every aspect of our lives. From how we handle challenges at work to how we connect with loved ones at home, it plays a huge role in our overall happiness and success.  

With Mental Health UK reporting almost a quarter of UK adults feel unable to manage stress and pressure levels in their lives, it’s vital to understand some of the ways that people can be supported. Here, we explore why mental health matters and share five simple healthy habits that can support your mental wellbeing at work.   

Why mental health is important  

Mental health is vital because it shapes how we think, feel and act daily. It influences how we manage stress, build relationships and make decisions. When our mental health is good, it boosts resilience, work performance and happiness. In contrast, poor mental health can affect physical health, productivity, and personal relationships. So, prioritising mental wellbeing ensures a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling life. Stress from work can spill into our personal lives, and challenges at home can sometimes follow us to the office. That’s why taking care of our mental wellbeing is so important—it’s not something we can separate into “work” and “home” categories. When we care for our minds, we care for everything else. 

Five Healthy habits you can cultivate  

The good news is that supporting your mental wellbeing doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle. Simple, healthy habits, practised consistently, can make a big difference. Here are some easily adoptable habits you can start incorporating into your working day.  

1. A good Morning Routine 

Starting the day well sets the tone for the rest of it, as it’s a case of starting as you mean to go on! A nutritious breakfast fuels your body and mind after hours of fasting while asleep. Not only does it provide essential nutrients and energy, but it also stabilises your blood sugar levels, preventing mid-morning energy crashes. It is also helpful to set clear intentions or goals for your workday, as it provides a sense of purpose and helps you stay motivated and focused.   

2. Managing and prioritising time 

Managing and prioritising your time better at work reduces stress by giving you greater control over your workload. It allows you to focus on high-priority tasks, avoid last-minute rushes, and meet deadlines efficiently. Creating a realistic to-do list can help by prioritising tasks, setting clear goals, and concentrating on what truly matters. Ticking off the list also fuels a sense of accomplishment, which is very motivating. Time-blocking is also an excellent time management method. You schedule your day by dividing it into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or activity. Instead of multitasking, you highlight one priority during each block. This approach helps improve focus, reduce procrastination, and ensure that important tasks get the attention they deserve. 

3. Taking Breaks 

Taking breaks at work helps prevent burnout by giving your brain a chance to rest and refresh, making it easier to stay engaged. The break could be simply making a drink, getting some fresh air, deep breathing or a quick meditation. Anything that removes you from your screen and work focus for a moment will benefit you. When you log off at the end of the workday, it is also important to do just that. It can be tempting to check that one last email after hours, but this blurs the boundaries between your work and personal life, interrupting your ability to unwind fully. A great tip to avoid this is putting your work equipment away, such as your laptop, phone or notebook. When they are out of sight, they will be out of your mind. 

4.  Building social connections 

Building social connections at work provides emotional support, reduces feelings of isolation and makes your workplace a happier place to be. Better connection also improves communication and creates a sense of belonging which supports your mental health. Take the time to talk to colleagues during breaks, or join any social activities that happen, such as work events and team outings. Being approachable and genuine will nurture those relationships by encouraging others to open up about themselves.  

5. Asking for help 

Asking for help at work has several benefits. It allows you to ease your workload and gain new perspectives, supporting your mental health by reducing feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It also strengthens relationships, building a more supportive work environment. Acknowledging when you feel overwhelmed or need guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reaching out to a colleague or manager will boost your confidence and remind you that you are not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, you can seek professional support like counselling or looking at your company's employee support programs. 

Adopting habits like these not only makes your workplace more manageable but contributes to a healthier mindset overall. Small, consistent actions can lead to lasting improvements, helping you feel more balanced and capable and will make all the difference. You don’t have to aim for perfection, as that will be hard to maintain. But regular habits will lead to long-term benefits for both mental health and your job. 

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help support employee mental wellbeing, then don’t hesitate to contact us. Or you can take a look at the Mental Health and Wellbeing solutions that we offer.