Work Worries Weighing You Down? Try These Mental Health Boosters
By The Lavender Team
3 min read
Work is a big part of life. Sure, it pays the bills, but it also gives you routine, purpose, and a place to belong. So when things get uncertain at work—like during a reorganization—it’s natural to feel nervous and pressured to prove yourself. Not knowing what’s next can bring up a lot of stress, anxiety, and even feelings of sadness. It might make you want to withdraw from friends and family or feel like you need to constantly be “on,” overworking yourself just to prove your worth.
If you’re facing job insecurity, you’re not alone. It can be a stressful experience to go through, but it doesn’t have to take over your well-being. There are ways to take care of your mental health, starting with small, simple steps.
Mental Health Boosters
1. Lean on Your Support System
Having people to talk to (family, close friends, or even a mentor) can make a big difference. Sometimes, just saying your worries out loud can help you process them. And if you need advice, reassurance, or just a distraction, the people who care about you will be there to help. If you’re struggling to open up, try something simple like, “I’ve been feeling stressed about work lately. Can I talk to you about it?”
2. Take Care of Yourself
When work stress is at an all-time high, it’s easy to think that pushing yourself harder is the answer, but taking care of yourself will help you handle stress better. These three things will support your well-being:
Sleep - Adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep every night. When you’re well-rested, it’s easier to think clearly and manage your emotions.
Nutrition - Stress can make it tempting to reach for comfort food (or skip meals altogether), but your body and brain need good fuel to function. Try to eat a balanced diet to help your body stay energized.
Movement - You don’t have to do an intense workout—just moving your body in ways you enjoy, like walking, stretching, or dancing around your living room, can help relieve stress and reduce tension.
3. Find a Stress Management Technique That Works for You
Stress is unavoidable, but how you handle it can make a big difference. Try experimenting with different techniques until you find what works for you. Some simple ways to reduce stress include:
Positive self-talk - Instead of saying something to yourself like, “I don’t know how I’ll find another job,” try saying, “This is a tough time, but I’m doing my best and I will get through this.” How you talk to yourself matters and can shape your mindset. It can also help you go through tough times with much more compassion and empathy.
Take breaks - If work feels overwhelming, step away from that area for a few minutes. Even taking a short walk or deep breathing can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Improve time management - If job stress is making you feel out of control, planning ahead, using reminder apps to stay on track, or organizing your tasks can make things more manageable.
Eat lunch outside - Changing your environment, even for a little while, can help you mentally reset with some fresh air.
4. Try Therapy
If job insecurity is taking a toll on your mental health, therapy can help. Psychiatric nurse practitioners can give you the tools to cope with stress, challenge negative thought patterns, and help you build your self-esteem. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just need someone to talk to, therapy can be a great support system.
Taking care of your mental and physical well-being can help you feel more ready to face whatever comes your way. No matter what happens next, you have the strength to get through it, and you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’re looking for a little extra support or guidance, we’d love to help.
