Has The Work World Changed You?

The work world has changed us all in some way or another. Whether it's the hours we work, the people we interact with, our environment, or how work has significantly impacted our mental health.

Whichever way it is, it's essential to understand how our working environment can affect us and how to care for ourselves when we feel the heavy pressures of working.

Because of the pandemic, a lot of our work environments look different. Some of us have returned to our workplace, but some continue working from home, where our living space doubles as an office. Of course, you need to differentiate your living space and workspace, but those spaces can get blurred in this new way people work.

Whether you're home or in the office, your working environment can significantly impact your mental health. It can lead to depression, exhaustion, and burnout if you don't take the time to care for yourself properly.

Burnout

Burnout is a common issue that can arise from working too much. Burnout can cause us to feel unmotivated and unproductive, making it harder to focus on daily tasks.

Working long hours, dealing with difficult people, and feeling overwhelmed can also contribute to severe mental and physical exhaustion. It's essential to recognize your body's signs and take steps to address them.

What's the most critical factor when it comes to avoiding burnout? 
The most important is knowing when to sign off for the day. When working from home, it's very easy to keep working or check emails after the workday ends, but you must know when to log off. Nothing's so important that it can't wait for the next business day, unless you're on a tight deadline.

Taking care of your mental health is essential for staying productive and healthy. Taking breaks throughout the day, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy is critical for maintaining good mental health.

Additionally, it's essential to unwind and relax after your work is done. 
Taking a walk, reading a book, or listening to music can all help to reduce stress. It can also allow us to disengage and disassociate from the work we did for eight hours.

Exercise can also be a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Taking time to connect with friends and family can also reduce stress and give you a sense of support. 

How to talk to your manager if you're feeling burnt out 

If you're feeling overwhelmed at work, you can also talk to your manager or boss about how you feel. If work is the problem, feel free to take the necessary steps to get a handle on it and discuss reasonable expectations with your boss about what you’re experiencing. 

• Do you want a better support system?
• Do you need to hire someone to help pick up the extra work you're falling behind on? 
• Do you need less responsibility?

Help rationalize why you need the support and explain clearly why you feel the way you do. In the long run, burnout can affect your job performance. Therefore, to be a more productive team member, you need the support you need to succeed.

It's essential to recognize the signs of mental health issues and take steps to address them. You can stay productive and healthy in the work world by taking care of yourself. 

Final Word
In conclusion, it's essential to recognize how the work world has changed us by taking steps to care for our mental and physical wellness. 
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Taking time to unwind, disconnecting from work, and caring for yourself when you're exhausted can help reduce stress and keep you healthy and happy.