Did you face any work anxiety or any pressure situation that aggravated your stress level, probably also started affecting your physical health? What was the situation like? How did you overcome that situation?

Yes, most of us encounter anxieties, stressors, tough situations, and extended periods of pressure at work. What has changed over the years though for me is how I respond to those situations. One of my mantras is to ‘be calmly active and actively calm.’ It took me some years of suffering to learn this precious lesson. I still cannot say I have mastered it, I catch myself every once in a while. The good part is I am aware and trying.

In my reflections of stressful situations, I see some common patterns. Often the urge to fix things by blasting through, coupled with being under-resourced to deliver a large quantum of work in a short amount of time. This is often a perfect recipe for disaster. Needless to say, in such situations, teams crack up and stress rises to unhealthy levels.

Several years ago I had joined a UK Bank as their HR Leader in India for their Technology division. The Bank had ambitions to scale its investment banking technology team significantly in eighteen months. This was fifteen years ago when India did not have as much niche talent available in Investment Banking Technology. The Global Head of Strategy and Architecture who was my boss had relocated to India to oversee the ramp-up. By the time I joined, the team was already under tremendous pressure and was firefighting daily. While I knew what needed to be done, I was short of people and the team had already lost hope and motivation.

For months in a row, I was travelling extensively and working fourteen-hour days, six days a week. There was no time to replenish me and there came a time when my body gave in. My schedule was erratic and so were my meals, zero exercise, and minimal sleep. I had been sensing some health issues but kept postponing seeking medical attention. One day I had to be rushed to a hospital from a meeting at work and then wheeled into major surgery. One of those moments in life when the stoplights glare at you.

That forced pause helped me pull back and question everything. I started to rethink in the light of unseen costs and the toll it takes on people, their minds, and bodies.

I am glad my life and priorities took a new turn. From then on I rearranged my life. We delivered on business commitments but negotiated better timelines; nourished and resourced teams better; emphasised balance and fun aspects. I was rewarded with a much larger role the following year which I was able to deliver on with a bit more ease. I think the important lesson is to pull back, see things in perspective, have uncomfortable push-back conversations, and negotiate lead times better. Problems can’t be solved by throwing in more hands, you need to win the hearts and minds as well to be the best.

What do you wish professionals knew about mental health?

Unlike physical health where you can see and feel discomfort and notice what is happening, mental health declines can go unnoticed for a long time, particularly if you are socially isolated.

Mental Health is important now more than ever. As social beings, we crave contact with friends and family and that is exactly what the pandemic has denied us. It is key to adapt and find ways to stay connected with each other. Loneliness impacts mental wellbeing. Several studies have shown this. The mind is a muscle that needs to be strengthened and thankfully can be. Mindfulness has a lot to offer in this space. Burnout is a very real threat to our lives, livelihoods, and wellbeing at all levels. Ask for help before it is too late. People are willing to help, share your worries rather than let them overwhelm you and suffer alone.

What workplace practices can worsen or enhance the issues related to employees' mental health?

Long hours of work without adequate breaks, compromising on sleep and relaxation, low connection with teams and colleagues, lack of boundaries of work and home, absence of routines and schedules, neglecting physical activity and hobbies that recharge you can all lead to worsening of mental health. Anxiety, moods, feeling overwhelmed are early warning systems that need due attention.

Workplaces support employees with Wellbeing programs, Employee Assistance Programs, counselling, etc but usage and recognition of need are what needs advocacy. Leaders need to attempt to connect and check in with their teams with compassion and empathy and share their commitment. Businesses are facing a hard time too and several rounds of restructuring may be happening which also takes away psychological safety in teams and people may fear to share their overwhelm for fear of losing their jobs. This is true for leaders too. They too need support and reassurance rather than have to toughen up and assume everything is goings to be okay when it is not. When leaders show their vulnerabilities, it permits others also to show up less perfect and not only get the support they need but also solve business problems more creatively. We are going through one of the worst times in history and we all need to stand up and be counted and root for each other.

What are some of the practices that can be implemented at the workplace at the personal front to improve mental health?

A lot can be done to improve wellbeing at physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Inspiration, Knowledge sharing, and practical tips and tools on personal productivity and wellbeing help. Yoga and meditation have a lot to offer for all these aspects. I often lead my students into a five-minute body scan that helps them diagnose where in the body they are carrying their emotional tensions and help release them. Meditation can soothe the mind and recharges it with a fresh boost of clarity and energy.

Mindful Walking is a great practice too – just taking a few conscious steps every hour or so in your workday, being aware, and present in the moment can be relaxing too.

Environment makes a big difference. Lighting, fresh air, and clean spaces add to the ambience. Have good, calming music playing in the backdrop while you work if you can, have an instrumental playlist.

Connect with a friend without any agenda and share a good laugh, laughter is an age-old medicine.

Describe “healthy mind” in your own words

A Healthy Mind is balanced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is resourceful, present, and nurtures constructive thoughts and a willingness to do what needs to be accomplished collaboratively. Having said that it is not about being a Pollyanna and nurturing false happiness. We have to acknowledge and process what we are going through and never hesitate to get help when you feel you need it. Check-in with teams and colleagues beyond work agendas and Take a break before you break.

Latha is the founder of OD Mantra, a boutiques leadership development firm that focuses on the human side of work. A former executive with large corporations, she has led large teams and witnessed business pressures, setbacks, and success. She is a long-time yoga and meditation trainer accredited with International Yoga Alliance. She is an ICF accredited coach and a regular speaker on leadership and wellbeing at corporations. She lives in Pune, India. Write to her at Latha@odmantra.com

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