SO many of us slug along in a toxic work environment because we feel “stuck.” Let’s Talk About Workplace Wellness
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Yesterday I did it. I wrote my resignation letter to my employer and closed a very significant chapter in my life. Now, as I look forward, the future looks uncertain. Why my future is seemingly obscured by the fog of uncertainty is because of my circumstance.
My resignation comes as I learned that I will be going on permanent workers’ compensation. And honestly, I am a wreck. Who knows what lies ahead for me? Whatever my path, I must find passion and purpose or risk rotting like a discarded tomato in the sun.
So, it should come as no surprise that I have been in deep thought about many things. While in the midst of all this contemplation, workplace wellness kept creeping into the fore.
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With that said, I need to make it clear that I hold no animosity towards my old workplace. My work, however, was dangerous, often met with violence and death – this is the reality of where I am today; a lifetime of seeing and experiencing things no one should ever see/experience.
My recent predicament has, nevertheless, made me think about the importance of workplace wellness.
“Quit that toxic job, I bet that you will see your bold move as transformational. “
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Jonathan Arenburg
Workplace wellness, as far as I can tell, has become a trending buzzword. as of late. Many workplaces preach a work/life balance yet, from what I can see, it’s just that – buzzwords. Like it or not, we life in a world, work including, that is overly concerned with looks – not solutions.
All fluff. Since we have favored political correctness over our own well-being, employers have seized the opportunity to work us harder and for less. Now, it’s important to realize that not all business have scrooge syndrome, however, it’s highly common.
Nevertheless, there are things you can do to help maximize your mental health. Even if your workplace sucks. For instance, understand that your employer is not your family, and human resources are your enemy. That’s why they are mean – in case you’ve ever wondered.
How to protect yourself in the workplace
Furthermore, it’s good to understand that “company loyalty” means nothing these days. Which as far as I’m concerned sets the stage for a toxic workplace. Been working for your company for years? Beware that if you turn ill, your “family” may turn on you.
Not all is lost.
First and foremost, if your workplace is mentally killing you, you can quit. Your health is in fact way more important than your pocketbook. Oh, and all those things you’re worried about losing if you take a job with less money? Well, there’s a good chance, they are also killing you.
Why? Well, because your occupation and your gadgets are intrinsically linked. While you may not make the connection, purge yourself of that toxic job, sell that huge house, and see how less stressed you are. I am willing to bet that you will see your bold move as transformational.
Where you can improve your mental health.
While you may not score high on the job satisfaction survey, not all is lost. So, if for whatever reason, you can’t leave, then you are going to have to shore up your mental reserves elsewhere. And it all starts with self-care.
And your self-care routine should start with exercise. I know, I know, we are all too tired for that effort. But what if I told you that exercise does in fact, increase your energy? There is science for days that proves this. So, exercise is, in reality, the antidote to fatigue.
So, let’s put this all into context. You give how many hours to your employer every week? 40, 50, even 60 hours? And you give yourself how many hours? A few hours a night, playing video games or watching Netflix?
Even though there is nothing wrong with these entertaining activities, humans don’t seem to thrive when we make one or two things a constant. In other words, your out of work life is not balanced.
However, if you give yourself 3 hours of exercise a week, it will give you variety and increase your wellness. The result is a happier, more energetic you. I promise this. And the beauty of it all? You never have to step foot in a gym, much less do anything overly intense. Walking, especially with poles (Nordic walking), has tremendous benefits. All it requires is your commitment. After all, you can commit most of your life to your boss, so why not 3 measly hours for you?
5 ways to maximize your mental health.
While it may seem natural to try to go about changing our workspaces so that they are more conducive to an harmonious environment, this is wishful thinking. At least in many workplaces. Therefore, the obvious solution is to ask yourself, “What is actually in my control to change?” If, for example, you do work in a toxic setting, improving your mental health will almost certainly end up on your lap only. So, the answer is: look after you!
Since we’ve established that your workplace isn’t family and you have no obligation off the clock, simply live your life. don’t answer emails, let their calls go to voicemail and you do whatever it is that brings you joy.
your employer is short staffed? Their problem. They want you to work longer hours but don’t want to pay you overtime, uncompleted work – their problem. So, one of two things will happen. you will either be miserable until you quit or worse; or you take control of your personal life, and they find a reason to fire you. If you going out the door permanently is inevitable, you might as well take the chance to find something that’s more in line with your joy.
In crisis? Go to Crisis Services Canada
Lastly, with the adoption of the Fortune 500 company model permeating more and more workplaces, your output will always be valued, and your humanity destroyed. Please, understand that it’s OK to move on. If you were in a personal relationship that wasn’t healthy, more likely move on. therefore, poor treatment should always be met with your well-being being met as the priority.
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Let’s Talk About Workplace Wellness – Copyright, 2022
Message from Jonathan.
As the Founder and Chief content creator for http://theroadtomentalwellness.com, I would like to thank you all for stopping by. We work hard on our content with the reader in mind. Our purpose, to help others by telling our stories. We hope that we are delivering on our mission. Please, let us know if you have found it helpful in the comments sections or follow us on social media and let us know there. Remember, you are not alone, we are all in this together. Please, like and share our content. Especially if you feel like others can benefit from our own experiences. We all thank you for taking the time to read and share our content. Please comeback and keep up to date.
Finally, take care of yourself and if you need help, go to our Mental Health Resources Page.