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World Wellbeing Week: Nurturing an approach to personal and professional well-being
Rose Mabiza
29-06-2023
World Wellbeing Week is an annual global initiative emphasising the significance of holistic well-being. It serves as a reminder to prioritise our physical, mental, emotional, and social health, both personally and professionally. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, it is crucial to recognise the impact of stress and the importance of self-care.
In this article, we will explore the effects of work-related stress, discuss strategies to modify our behaviour under pressure and highlight the key aspects of well-being that World Wellbeing Week seeks to promote.
Understanding work-related stress
Work-related stress in the UK is prevalent across various industries, with a staggering 79% of workers reporting frequent stress at work (Statistica, 2020).
Stress impacts not only our mood and engagement, but also our performance and relationships. Under so much pressure, our behaviour can become reactive and illogical, leading to unintended consequences. Moreover, our stress behaviours can create a domino effect, impacting the emotions of those around us.
Recognising unhelpful habits and behaviour patterns
In times of stress, our brains seek to transition from an emotional to a calm state. Different individuals adopt different methods to achieve this calmness. Some may turn to unhealthy habits, such as excessive drinking, overeating, or overexposure to distractions. These automatic responses, or habitual behaviours, may provide temporary relief but can exacerbate stress.
Modifying automatic responses for calmness
Becoming self-aware of our stress and understanding the brain's desire for calmness allows us to explore alternative ways to achieve that state. For instance, instead of reaching for a drink when stressed, we can try breathing exercises or walking to attain a similar calmness.
By interrupting automatic habits and creating a pause, we regain control over our responses, enabling us to make conscious choices about how we want to react to situations.
The impact of wellbeing strategies at work
By cultivating self-awareness and implementing proactive strategies to reduce stress, we can significantly impact our behaviour in the workplace. Engaging in breathing exercises before meetings, refraining from immediate responses to triggering emails, and pausing to think before speaking can all contribute to more thoughtful and positive interactions.
Introducing helpful habits into our workday, such as taking breaks, walking, and setting boundaries, can enhance overall well-being and productivity.
Building sustainable well-being habits
Well-being is not a one-time event but a continuous journey that requires attention and conscious effort of establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritising self-care.
Practising mindful breathing techniques can also induce a sense of calmness. You should also focus on what you can influence and try to let go of things beyond your control. Fueling your body with good nutrition and staying hydrated can also help nourish your mind. Set yourself small, meaningful and attainable goals.
Conclusion
World Wellbeing Week reminds us to prioritise our well-being and encourages individuals to adopt strategies that nurture personal and professional growth. By recognising the impact of work-related stress, modifying automatic responses, and embracing self-care practices, we can create sustainable habits that enhance our overall well-being.
The Mandatory Training Group offers health and wellbeing courses, including Health and Wellbeing Essentials, to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Let us commit to our self-care and extend kindness to others, fostering a culture of well-being that enriches our lives today and in the future. Click here to see our wide range of accredited health and wellbeing courses and training programmes.
About the Mandatory Training Group
The Mandatory Training Group is one of the leading UK providers of CPDUK-accredited statutory and mandatory training, continuing professional development (CPD) courses, eLearning software and workforce development solutions for all sectors.
By making things simple and designing interactive e-learning content, we can provide meaningful training programs at all levels and enhance the capacity and resilience of individuals and organisations.
Click here to see our wide range of accredited health and wellbeing courses and training programmes.
References and resources
Channel Eye (2023) - WorldWellbeing Week: You are a part of nature.
Le Cuirot, B. (2022) - What does Wellbeing Mean to You?
Pennycard, E. (2023) - Wellbeing Wednesday: Reacting to work related stress.
Statista (2020) - Most common types of stress experienced in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2020.
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