R U OK?
With R U OK? day just around the corner, we thought we would take the time to ask R U OK?
Everyone knows most jobs involve some level of stress. Some people thrive on stress and it can also keep you alert and increase your performance in small bursts, however in the long run, stress can be a problem and impact your mental health.
Signs to keep an eye out for
A positive work culture is key in deterring stress and reducing mental illness. Some workplace stressors to keep an eye out for:
- Working long hours & working through breaks
- Work that is emotionally disturbing
- Poor communication
- Not promoting employee development
Useful tips
While we are not experts in this, here are some tips to help:
- Step away from the computer screen & get some sunshine!
- Drink plenty of water
- Exercise
- Reach out to a work colleague and have a laugh
- Plan a holiday
- Think positive thoughts & surround yourself with positive people
- When you walk out of the office door, switch off and focus on your personal life (we know, easier said than done)
- Put positivity out in the world and do one random act of kindness a day
It is also important to understand your own stress as this will allow you to look at strategies that work for you to manage your stress.
Be sure to reach out to your friends or colleagues if you have that gut feeling telling you something is not right, and ask them if they are ok. It is a hard question to ask, so visit How to Ask with tips and resources on how to start the conversation.
The Queensland Law Society has a resilience and wellbeing portal that provides information and support tools to manage the pressures of work and life.