Everyone wants to do well at their job. It’s why you show up on time, make friends with your coworkers and strive to grow in your position. At the same time, you’re also battling personal problems and other conflicts that make it challenging to stay productive. That’s especially hard to do when your mental health is suffering.
Sometimes mental health issues get put aside. You may want to focus on an upcoming deadline or make excuses for symptoms so you can deal with them later. Either way, your mental health could be what’s causing your productivity to slip, but you can easily handle it and reach your goals.
Check out how poor mental health can be detrimental to productivity and what you can do to help yourself. You’ll overcome whatever you’re dealing with and soon be back on track to achieve the professional success you’re aiming for.
1. Take Regular Breaks
No one can accomplish anything if they feel stressed to the max. You may charge through your daily to-do list without pausing to eat, but that can backfire quickly.
Occasional five or ten-minute breaks will give you the energy and focus you need to be productive without feeling drained. There’s a clear correlation that matches employee engagement with breaks, proving that a little rest and a quick walk away from your desk will refresh your mind.
2. Get More Sleep
You may also feel tired at work because you’re not getting enough sleep. An unreliable sleep schedule can exacerbate mental health symptoms from conditions like anxiety and depression, making it harder to have the energy to focus on work. While you sleep, your brain will recharge and make you ready for the day as soon as your alarm wakes you up.
3. Identify Your Worries
Sometimes people struggle with their mental health and productivity because they’re overwhelmed with worries. Reflect on what’s been on your mind recently to identify your particular concerns and remedy them.
If you’re nervous about an upcoming presentation, you can review the material some more. Maybe you’re getting older and worry about your family. Something like creating a will and looking into life insurance could ease what’s on your mind. Find solutions so you can be productive when it’s time to sit down and work.
4. Find Interesting Work
Think about why you work in your current position. Is it a job to pay the bills or do you get to do something you enjoy? The secret to becoming more productive could be doing what you love. A University of Warwick study in the UK found that people became 12% more productive if they were happier at work. Unhappiness could cause you to struggle with finding the motivation to work hard. A career change might be in your future.
5. Talk With Your Doctor
The link between mental health and productivity could require a chat with your doctor. You may suffer from an undiagnosed condition, like depression, anxiety or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Your doctor will be able to provide a diagnosis and recommend better long-term solutions. You could become more productive after starting a new prescription medication or adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate your mental health needs.
Take Careful Notes
Over the next few days or weeks, take careful notes on when and how you feel your mental health and productivity suffering. Look back on your records to find out what you experience every day. It will help you narrow down why your productivity is suffering and what you can do to fix it.
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