Mental Health Day

Today is Thursday 10 October and it is being celebrated the world over as World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year is Mental Health at Work. I think in this year more than any other the theme is very relevant

It has been almost 4 years now that the world went through a pandemic. One would say that this is the first year since the pandemic that the world has returned to some form of normalcy. People are travelling again. Many employers have asked their employees to return to work in office full time and there are schools and universities that have now welcomed back students to full time learning. Not to be left out are the churches which found new and innovative ways to reach persons have now resumed full communion with the return of the Common Cup as part of the Eucharist

For many of us however we are still experiencing the challenge of returning to our own social spaces pre pandemic. I know that I personally have found it challenging to interact with persons in close quarters. In addition I do find that giving up my 2 days of working from home has been a bit of a challenge. How do we overcome these mental health situations not only in our work lives but in our daily lives? Some tips below to help us on our way

• take breaks throughout your work day

• Set boundaries with your colleagues. If you are at lunch or if it’s the end of your work day, stop responding to emails and calls

• Establish a healthy morning routine - don’t just wake up and check your phone. Wake up and spend some time with God.

• Ask for help. Doing it alone is a recipe for mental health burnout

• Connect with others in the workplace. Get a lunch buddy

• Seek support if you are feeling overwhelmed

• Take a walk during the work day. It doesn’t have to be when you are heading for lunch. Walking during the course of the work day clears your head and provides some much needed rest for your eyes

• Practice relaxation techniques. If your work allows it listen to music at your desk or a mindfulness podcast. If that isn’t allowed deep breathing exercises as well as stretching helps to relieve kinks in your brought on by stress

• Priorotise sleep. It sounds weird to include this but if you are not sleeping at nights you can’t possibly function the next day

There are many persons who believe that as Christians we do not experience mental health struggles. Scripture reminds us of the times that Jesus took time away from His ministry to refresh Himself and who can forget His words as He faced what would happen to Him on the cross.

Let us therefore make a promise to ourselves today to Renew and Refresh ourselves in God’s love. Our mental health requires it.