As the Marketing Manager at Simitri (and the curator behind these newsletters!) I am usually a self-starter with lots of motivation and drive; however last week I felt low, I didn't have the impulse to get myself out of my PJ's and into the office.
As I pondered in bed, I found many more "motivations" to stay home:
Well, it would save me 1 hour in travel time...each way...
I could be more productive working from home today!
I don't need to collaborate today because my to-do list was filled with solo deliverables...and it went on...
Most of us recognise the value of showing kindness and compassion to others, but do we really do that for ourselves? It is just as important to recognise when you need time, space, a new atmosphere or a different routine. When you get in such a state, you should consider giving yourself a mental health day. Taking a MH day every now and then can help you immensely when you feel exhausted, have lost the ability to concentrate, or are going through a challenging time.
May was Mental Health Awareness Month but, at Simitri, we believe mental health should be a priority every day. Allow yourself to be kind and do your best to drop the guilt, take some time to rest, recharge, and practice self-care activities.
The alternative could be worse; there is a lot of discussion about burnout, the causes, symptoms and solutions. One thing for certain is that you owe it to yourself to identify the symptoms early and take responsible actions to mitigate the impact. It is also the responsibility of your employer to create a working environment that is safe and accommodating.
Burnout can be triggered by external events that are out of one's control, to name a few:
Inability to influence decisions that impact one's job
Unclear job expectations
Dysfunctional workplace dynamics
Lack of work-life balance
In fact, the first stage of burnout is the compulsion to prove oneself. Good leaders should recognise this and other red flags to reduce work-related stress and ultimately, reduce burnout.
Incorporating psychological first aid into the workplace can have a significant impact on people's wellbeing and resilience; it will help to reduce burnout and ultimately, have a positive effect on everyone.
Applying PERMA in the workplace can help.
P: Positive Emotions
E: Engagement
R: Relationships / Connections
M: Meaning
A: Accomplishment
The 5 pathways of PERMA equate to positive psychology at work and the benefits to business are astonishing.
In the end, and after a phone call to the office, I decided to give myself a break of sorts.
I spent three days working from home, in the comfort of my space, with my furry friend and fluffy slippers. I slept in a little longer and practised yoga more regularly. I am now ready to rejoin the world.