5 Underrated Career Tips That Are Great for Your Mental Health
Tips on keeping your mental health in check at work.
By Aqilah Naqlis on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM
Updated on 2025-01-17 at 4:53 AM
Your career is just one part of your life—it doesn’t define your entire identity. While ambition and hard work are valuable traits, tying your self-worth to your job title or salary can lead to stress and burnout.
For example, a professional setback, such as missing a promotion, might feel overwhelming if you view your job as the sole measure of your value. However, recognising that your career is just one aspect of your life can help you navigate challenges with resilience and perspective.
Tip: Focus on hobbies, build relationships, and enjoy life outside of work. A well-rounded life helps reduce the pressure to define yourself solely by your job.
Recognising when it’s time to leave a toxic workplace or unfulfilling role is an essential skill for protecting your mental health. Staying in a job that drains your energy or undermines your confidence can have long-term negative effects.
For instance, if you’re constantly stressed due to unreasonable workloads or lack of support, it might be time to explore other opportunities. Prioritising your well-being doesn’t mean giving up—it means choosing what’s best for you.
Tip: Pay attention to your mental and emotional state. If you feel consistently drained, consider whether the job aligns with your goals and values.
Failure is often seen as something to avoid, but it’s a powerful tool for personal growth. Many successful professionals credit their setbacks as pivotal moments that shaped their careers.
For example, Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job, and Steve Jobs was famously ousted from Apple. Both used their experiences as learning opportunities to achieve even greater success.
Tip: When you face a setback, reflect on what went wrong and what you can learn. Embracing failure as a stepping stone makes challenges easier to navigate and helps build resilience.
Understanding your natural energy patterns can help you optimise productivity while preserving your mental health. Some people are most focused in the morning, while others hit their stride later in the day.
For example, if you’re a morning person, schedule important tasks like presentations or brainstorming sessions during your peak hours. Leave less demanding tasks, such as responding to emails, for times when your energy dips.
Tip: Track your energy levels for a week to identify your most productive hours. Use this insight to structure your day for maximum efficiency and minimal stress.
Employee benefits are there to support your well-being, yet many people hesitate to use them. Whether it’s taking a mental health day, using your annual leave, or accessing wellness programs, these resources are designed to help you recharge and stay balanced.
For instance, some companies offer gym memberships, mental health support, or flexible working arrangements. Using these benefits not only improves your health but also signals to employers that you value a balanced approach to work.
Tip: Familiarise yourself with your organisation’s benefits and plan how to use them throughout the year. Proactively taking advantage of these resources prevents burnout and boosts overall well-being.
Your mental health is a cornerstone of your career success. By recognising that your career doesn’t define you, knowing when to leave unfulfilling roles, embracing failure, working with your energy levels, and using work benefits, you can create a healthier and more sustainable approach to work.
Bonus Tip: A supportive work environment makes all the difference. Companies with great cultures can help you maintain mental health while achieving your career goals. Learn how to spot them with 7 Green Flags That Indicate a Company Has Awesome Work Culture.
By Aqilah Naqlis on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM