What are your best tips for managing your mental health?

Thanks to individuals like Simone Biles, Chrissy Teigen, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lady Gaga, more and more people are opening up about their struggles with mental health. This once taboo topic is creeping out of the shadows and into the light, and the timing couldn’t be better. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that a focus on mental health is vitally important.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost 53 million adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, which vary in degree of severity. It’s more important than ever to reflect on our own mental health and support those around us.

Take the time you need

Did you know that less than half of U.S. employees, 45%, took all of their vacation in 2021? Those were the results of a 2021 client survey from Mercer. When you look at tech companies in particular, the number drops even lower to 27%. Many employees are simply not taking the time off that they are entitled to each year. Taking vacation is a great way to relax, unwind and step away from stress.

 Here are a few simple tips to consider as you focus on your own mental health in 2022: 

•  Make your time off a priority. Map out a strategy for your vacation for the first half or, if it’s feasible, the entire year. I find it’s all too easy to let the year slip away. Determine who will back you up so you can truly disconnect and relax.
• Don’t suffer in silence. Investigate your company’s mental health programs. Have you taken advantage of any free or low-cost options? Some companies, like IBM, have free Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) available worldwide. We also have a mindfulness community created and led by IBMers, for IBMers. Their goal is to “Come together to support each other and help manage stress, increase focus, make better decisions, build mental toughness, improve productivity, develop stronger relationships, foster emotional intelligence, and have a healthier mind.”
• Adopt a new strategy for work-life balance and keep yourself accountable. I never judge myself on any one given day, week, or month. But if I look back over a 90-day period and realize my time was misaligned between work and home, I course correct. I encourage you all to do the same.
• Get smart on mental health. Explore learning programs available to raise your awareness of mental health. For example, in October of 2021, IBM launched the Mental Health Ally Badge program where we cover topics such as mental health fundamentals, self-care, workplace stress, empathetic conversations, and inclusive behaviors, as well as available resources for IBMers and their families.
• Get moving and get connected. Take care of your mental and physical health. Be active physically, mentally and/or culturally. Connection matters. Find ways to connect with others - your family, friends, colleagues, and your community.

What are your best strategies for managing your mental health? Do you practice mindfulness? Teach a yoga class? Escape to your favorite vacation spot? What’s the best way to recharge your mental batteries? Bonus points for pictures!  #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #wellness