Mental health has started to gain more attention in recent years. It’s still a long way off from where it needs to be but people are starting to take notice and open up about it more.

Camp No Counselors has become an important place for some people to disconnect from their work life for a few days and just enjoy themselves. However the work place shouldn’t have to be a place you need to escape from. You can make a big difference by improving the quality of life you have at work.

There are 6 key areas of mental health to know

Social Connection
Exercise
Managing Stress
Diet
Sleep
Meaning & Purpose

So these are the areas to look at improving, here’s simple ways that you can do that.

Buy a Plant

If you spend a lot of time in an office, buy a plant. Not only are plants cool but they can have an increased impact on your health & productivity. Plants create that constant connection to nature and they are the original air purifier. They are natural mood lifters and help reduce headaches and colds. The presence of plants can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Check out The Sill for some amazing incredible plants delivered straight to your door.

Change Up Your Daily Routine

Ever heard the classic line ‘Routine kills’? Yeah, we thought so. Routine can be boring, and boredom doesn’t help the mind. If you find yourself with a monotonous routine you got to shake it off like a T-Swift song. Here’s some ideas to try exploring, break the habit and find yourself more content in your surroundings.

Work from home.
Work from a coffee shop.
Change up your meeting locations.
Reassess daily/weekly meetings that are flat.
Find ways to make mundane tasks creative.

Volunteer Your Time

Giving up your time and energy to help someone else is such a simple way to feel good. It doesn’t even have to be for someone you work with. You or your team can help each other, or others in a variety of ways and it will make you feel great about your positive impact. Volunteering helps strengthen personal growth whilst also allowing you to see the world from different perspectives. It’s also a chance to develop stronger social circles.

Here’s some ways to volunteer your time, both inside and outside of work. Set yourself a challenge and see it through.

Hold an office quiz night or bake off.
Volunteer your time to help a local charity.
Join a beach or park clean up.
Help 5 homeless people in one week.
Volunteer to help a local sports league or event.
Spend time with the elderly
Donate blood

Search for ways to give back, and remember, writing a check doesn’t count!

Detox from Social Media

If you’re reading this blog at work… you probably shouldn’t be. (Although we hope it helps!)

Social media has so many positives but we constantly hear about overusing it. A short digital detox can help reset your mind and improve your well-being. Even if it’s for 24 hours you will notice a difference, it adds hours into your day to focus on things of substance.

The word ‘too busy’ is something we hear so often. You have the opportunity to make time, get up earlier, you won’t be more tired you will be more fulfilled.

At our summer camp weekends we encourage grown-ups to leave their phones on the sidelines and just get involved. Not everything in life needs to live as a story or through a filter.

We are actually believers in social media for the connection it can bring, it simply doesn’t help your health to overuse it.

Take a Proper Lunch Break

Stop eating at your desk!

Also, be mindful when you’re eating, stop eating and scrolling and don’t rush your lunch. Take time to enjoy your meal. Drink water, taste your food and eat slower.

You have time.

Positive Affirmations

Think positive and you’ll be surprised at the difference it will make on your daily life.

Set yourself small challenges each day and watch the difference it will have on your mood. Tell yourself you are healthy, remind yourself you are loved.

It might even sound stupid and embarrassing at first but small details like this matter.

Start a Mood Journal

Start achieving more through the simple task of writing. It will give you the opportunity to lead a healthier and happier life and you can look back at your progress and journey along the way.

It’s a way of starting and forming positive habits in your life.

Check out Mind Journal to learn more.

More Sleep. More Water.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

We can’t even begin to list the benefits of good sleep and staying hydrated.

Going into work and staying energized will keep you motivated and refreshed.

Grab a new water bottle from W&P and remember to keep filling it up!

Download an App

There are multiple recognized apps that are designed to help improve mental health that can be applied to the work place. The reminders and notifications can help keep you on track and some only require a few minutes a day.

Calm was branded as Apple's "App of the Year" in 2017. The app is designed to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and help you to feel happier.

Headspace uses mindfulness and meditation to help you perform at your best each day. The app's mission is to provide you with the essential tools to achieve a happier, healthier life.

IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK.