Experts at Fortis Escorts Jaipur Talk About Prioritizing Mental Health at Work

World Mental Health Day 2024: 

Experts at Fortis Escorts Jaipur Talk About Prioritizing Mental Health at Work

Jaipur, October 10th, 2024:  World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10th where the spotlight is on fostering mental health-friendly workplaces, in tune with this year’s theme - ‘It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’. Dr. Tushar Kant, Associate Consultant of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, says everyone must prioritize counselling, especially in a 24X7 world, which gives us little or no time to attend to our mental health challenges – be it anxiety, stress, panic attacks or depression. He also adds that it’s important to seek clinical assistance to differentiate and understand what kind of counselling or treatment options would be best suited to an individual. In a rapidly evolving country like India, where a staggering 40% of employees report workplace stress, the need for action has never been more pressing.

Dr. Tushar Kant, Associate Consultant of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, says, “Addressing mental health at the workplace is no longer optional -it’s critical. In today’s high-pressure environments, particularly in urban India, employees are increasingly vulnerable to stress-induced mental health issues. We need to create a compassionate, stigma-free culture where employees feel safe to discuss their struggles. A supportive workplace benefits both individuals and organizations by improving morale, reducing turnover, and increasing productivity.”

Tips to tackle workplace stress:

1. Prioritize and Organize Tasks: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize based on urgency and importance to avoid feeling overwhelmed by deadlines.
2. Take Regular Breaks: Short breaks during work hours can help clear your mind and reduce stress. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to stay focused.
3. Practice Deep Breathing: Simple breathing exercises, such as inhaling deeply for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four, can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress.
4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily: Proper nutrition and hydration help maintain energy levels and improve your ability to cope with stress. Avoid too much caffeine, as it can increase anxiety.
5. Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" to tasks that aren't urgent or can be delegated. Setting boundaries will help you avoid taking on more than you can handle.
6. Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity, like a brisk walk or stretching exercises, can reduce stress and improve your mood by releasing endorphins.
7. Communicate Openly: If you're feeling stressed, talk to your supervisor or colleagues. Open communication can lead to support and possible adjustments to your workload.
8. Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time instead of juggling multiple tasks. Multitasking can increase stress and reduce productivity.
9. Create a Relaxing Workspace: Personalize your workspace with items that make you feel calm, like plants, pictures, or motivational quotes. A clutter-free environment also helps reduce stress.
10. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like mindfulness meditation can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Just a few minutes of mindfulness practice each day can make a big difference in how you handle stress.