How to improve wellbeing at work

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With the current circumstances we find ourselves in, focussing on our well-being is more important than ever before. Our time at work makes up a large proportion of our week and so we must ensure we take time out for ourselves and look after our mental health. Managing your well-being at work is essential for maximising your productivity and more importantly, for looking after your overall health.

I thought I would share with you the steps that I take at work to improve my well-being…

Organisation

Understanding your priorities and ordering your to-do list can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Although a somewhat trivial task that we may take for granted, it allows us to create a clear path and set our intentions for the day. What seems like an infinite list of completions or backlog of drafting, can soon become a little less daunting.

Tidy desk, tidy mind – as the saying goes. The organisation of your work is important in itself, but never underestimate the power of an organised workspace! A top tip is to create a habit of clearing your desk at the end of every day, meaning tomorrow will be a fresh start.

Time Out

It can be so easy to get engrossed in a piece of work, obsessed with a deadline or feel like you have to work constantly from the moment you start until the moment you sign off. In fact, we are only human (!) and the average concentration span for humans is 90 minutes, showing that taking a break can actually make us more productive than trying to steam roll through the day. Going to make a cuppa or just standing up and stretching your legs for a few minutes helps you get away from the screen and also helps to refresh your mindset if you feel like you’ve hit a wall. Taking these little breaks regularly ensures you don’t suffer from burnout and keeps you more focused when you are working.

Another little tip for when things start to feel overwhelming is the one-moment meditation tactic. Take a minute out of your day to focus on your breathing and realign your thinking - follow the link at the bottom for more details.

Get Outside

Try and do something a little different with your lunch break by getting outside in the fresh air. Throw on a few layers and venture out into the wild – away from your screen. Even a short walk can have such a positive impact on your day and recharge your battery levels for the afternoon’s work ahead.

On one of my lunch-time adventures, I visited the wonderful Coombe Abbey and followed one of its many trails – something I’m sure my colleague Beatle would be very jealous of. We are so fortunate to work near this historic building and I would recommend a visit to anyone in the Coventry area.

Our very own Sharon Baxter has incorporated getting outside into her working day by taking up ‘Net-Walking’ during the pandemic – which you can learn more about in her recent blog post here.

Talk

Remember you’re not on your own! Talking to others around you and asking for help when you need it sounds obvious, but it is often overlooked. Communicating your emotions and reaching out when you’re struggling shouldn’t be something to be afraid of doing at work. Here at Feldon Dunsmore, we take pride on our supportive working environment and emphasise the importance of helping your team.

These steps help me stay motivated, maintain focus and enhance my productivity at work. In the legal profession, the fast-paced and high-stress environment we work in takes its toll daily on our health and well-being. So, let’s start checking-in with ourselves and fostering healthier working habits – such as the ones above – in the campaign towards a healthier 2021.

This is only an insight into the world of well-being and mental health. For further information, please explore the links below and start your journey to better your well-being at work:

29 January 2021