Good health is more than just feeling well physically. Good mental health enhances our ability to enjoy life and to effectively deal with challenges.

Good mental health also allows us to handle day-to-day demands such as caring for ourselves and our families, maintaining friendships, working and participating in recreational or spiritual activities. It also helps us to manage the unexpected without “losing it.”

Although most Americans believe they have good mental health, issues and claims related to mental health and stress are increasingly a concern in American workplaces. In fact, a recent report identified work as the number one source of stress for Americans.

It’s important for you and your employer to address the stressors in your workplace because:

* Employees under stress are less motivated, productive and creative, and in time their mental health may be seriously eroded.
* Efficiency levels may drop and absenteeism may increase due to increased physical illness and/or depression and anxiety.
* Short- and long-term disability claims (and even premature deaths) may increase.

This article describes how you can identify the causes of your stress and then take control.

Identify the Causes of Your Stress
Are some of these common sources of workplace stress affecting you?

* work overload
* long hours
* inflexibility in your work schedule
* inability to make independent decisions
* conflicting job demands
* reporting to more than one supervisor
* strained relationships
* inadequate work space
* social isolation
* limited training or career development opportunities

Take Control of Your Stress
Are you in control? Find out by answering the following questions.

* What is your work/life balance score ? Are you becoming your job or do you have a good balance between work and play, self-care and care for others?
* Are you allowing workplace stress to be a habit, like a well-worn shoe? Much stress is habitual, but you can change that.
* Are your thoughts about work optimistic and positive or chronically pessimistic and negative? Most stress is caused by your perception of the situation, not the situation itself. Try taking a step back and reframing how you view a problem or issue.
* Can you distinguish among things that are truly under your control, things you can influence and things you have no control over? Are you putting your energy into the first two areas and avoiding stress caused by the third area (things you cannot control)?
* Can you see the humour in stressful situations? Being able to laugh at yourself is one indicator of positive mental health.
* Do you have a strong social network? The people who care about you can often help put things in perspective or help you find solutions to nagging concerns.
* Are you maintaining your mental and physical health by:
# seeking connections with something beyond yourself through nature, religion, books, music, art or service to others?
# including regular physical activity, good nutrition and relaxation techniques in your schedule?

Psychologists often recommend physical activity as a way to reduce feelings of depression or anxiety. (You feel good after being active because of the endorphins that are released in the brain.)

You can improve your mental health significantly by effectively managing workplace stress. Start by recognizing and acknowledging the sources of your stress. Then take charge of the things you can control or influence. For example, you might consider increasing the amount and regularity of your physical activity, which is a potent tool for improving both physical and mental health.

Source: HealthyAlberta.com