Boost Your Well-Being: 10 Essential Tips for a Healthier Workplace Mental Health

By University of Missouri Extension

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Picture this: your day is packed, you’re racing out of the office, and suddenly you spot a coworker holding back tears, quietly wishing you a good day. Do you have time to stop? Probably not. But should you? Absolutely, according to Sam Polly, pesticide applicator training coordinator at the University of Missouri Extension.

Polly observes many stressed individuals in agriculture and related fields. Despite his chaotic schedule, he believes it’s vital to pause, listen, and offer support. “It’s important to create a culture where kindness matters,” he says.

Rural areas face unique challenges. Karen Funkenbusch, director of Missouri’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance program, emphasizes that residents often struggle with mental health stigma and lack access to support. Research shows that rural individuals are less likely to seek help compared to urban dwellers, highlighting the need for a supportive community.

With May recognized as Mental Health Month, Polly and Funkenbusch share 10 simple yet powerful ways to support those around you:

1. Take Breaks – Step outside for a 15-minute walk. Invite a coworker for a quick walk-and-talk.

2. Set Boundaries – Learn to say no. Respect others’ limits, too.

3. Listen Without Judgment – Show you care by providing a listening ear. Acknowledge their feelings and thank them for sharing.

4. Be a Role Model – Lead by example. Leave uplifting notes on desks or in common areas.

5. Allow Flexibility – Adjust your schedule when possible to allow for personal time.

6. Extend Grace – Remember, everyone has tough days. Consider what they may have faced before arriving at work.

7. Break Down Tasks – Tackle big tasks in manageable pieces, just like the saying goes: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

8. Cultivate Gratitude – Encourage others to identify three things they’re grateful for each morning. This simple practice can shift perspectives.

9. Discover Awe – Take time to appreciate your surroundings, whether it’s a beautiful sunset or the first bloom of spring. Polly describes this as “medicine for the mind.”

10. Utilize Available Resources – Explore the Mental Health Toolkit from MU Extension at muext.us/MentalHealthToolkit or check out the Show-Me Strong Farm Families program on Facebook (Show-Me Strong Farm Families).

In today’s fast-paced world, small gestures of kindness and understanding can make a significant difference. Let’s foster a supportive environment for everyone—it’s good for our minds and our communities.

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