Mental health is something that affects us all – regardless of who you are or the industry you work in. That’s why all of us at BOOT Construction are proud to support Suffolk Mind as our charity of the year.
To mark World Mental Health Day, our Contracts Manager and resident Mental Health First Aider Ashley Davey shares his top tips on staying mentally healthy at work.
Ashley’s top five tips
1.Talk about your feelings and emotions
Opening up and talking to your peers about how you are feeling can help to clear your mind, especially when you feel troubled.
That could be your closest colleague, your boss or your HR team. Creating a supportive environment can make a real difference.
2. Eat well
Maintaining a healthy diet can be extremely difficult when working, especially on construction sites. But it’s important to remember that a good diet doesn’t just benefit your physical health, but your mental health too.
Next time you’re out on a job, why not swap one of those quick service station lunches for a healthy meal deal?
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
In the construction industry, many managers, clients, project managers and architects can set unrealistic deadlines. It’s important to have that sit down chat and discuss whether or not these tasks can be completed in the time requested.
Talk, raise concerns and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are all human – no one is superhuman!
4. Take your breaks
Breaks are there for a reason. Even today, we still see many people working through their breaks, especially if they want to clock off earlier in the day.
What happens more often than not however, is they still finish at the same time as normal. It’s important to take that step back, get away from the site and focus on something other than work.
Personally, I find reading a book helps to relax and unwind the mind.
5. Stay active
Physical activity is not only good for your body, but also your mind. Regular exercise can boost your mood, improve concentration and help you sleep better.
Of course working in construction you might already be physically active on-site – but it’s also important to engage in exercises you enjoy during your free time.
That could be going for a run, doing yoga or playing a sport – all of which keep you active and can help relieve stress and improve your overall mental health.
Our support for Suffolk Mind
We are proud to support our local mental health charity, Suffolk Mind, this year – raising both money and awareness for their incredible work.
You can keep up-to-date with our fundraising efforts on our social media pages!
If you are in need of mental health support, click here to see the services available to you.
