Work-Life Balance – Topic 1: Building Mental Health
As part of the Work-Life Balance Campaign from Aker Care, we would like to present you with the first of three topics in this series – Building Mental Health.
Many of us find it difficult to find the right balance between work and leisure time. We often experience imbalance between work-life and our private life. It affects our experience of well-being and the quality of our relationships as well as our own presence. Many may experience stress related symptoms such as a poor night’s sleep, reduced concentration and increased forgetfullness as a result of impaired work-life balance.
We can conclude that the experience of work-life balance contributes to good mental health.
What characterizes good mental health?
Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make decisions.
Mental health problems and psychiatric disorders are common. More than one out of three will experience a mental health disorder throughout our lives. Most mental health problems are transient and highly treatable, and in most cases people recover completely. Being active and continue working contributes to a faster recovery and is also recommended as part of a psychological treatment.
The work environment is an important factor that influences our mental health and can help promote well-being by providing companionship. Working is important for everyone’s mental health, it gives us a purpose, promotes independence and allows us to develop social contacts.
What promotes good mental health? Let’s highlight three important factors:
- To feel connected to other people.
- To find meaning in the challenges life brings
- To understand what is required of us and what resources we need to deal with these challenges.
If you and your colleagues are happy at work this strengthens your mental health. A work environment that promotes good mental health among employees will also contribute to improved resource management and overall productivity in the company.
Advice for increased quality of life and stronger mental health:
- Create relationships: Be a good colleague by being available for your co-workers and be a good listener
- Be physically active: Activity promotes both physical health and mental health. 150 minutes of physical activity per week is recommended
- Practice mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment with an open mind
- Continue to learn new things: Be curious and positive to learn something new
- Contribute to a good cause: Engage in voluntary work that is meaningful to you
The next article in the series will be published on May 16
References:
Aaron Antonovsky, 1987: Unraveling the Mystery of Health | www.Helsenorge.no | www.helsedirektoratet.no
