Safety at Work can look like: A Well Mind

While there are many ways to cultivate a sense of safety in the workplace, the key to all of them is to ensure you possess sharp mental acuity. And these days, in the age of brain fog and burn out, feeling sharp, present, and “tuned in” is increasingly difficult. While a good portion of the workforce sits in front of a computer, and needs mental acuity to focus and concentrate, many jobs that require physical skill require not just a sharp mind but extra vigilance to avoid serious workplace accidents. Staying sharp and focussed is essential to a safe workplace.

When we feel tuned out and burned out, or have trouble concentrating, we often reach for external help to help increase our energy. Reliance on caffeine and other substances that provide an adrenaline surge is a popular way to do this, however it is not the only, nor the safest way to help feel your most alert.

STAY SHARP WITH THESE TIPS

While there are many ways to cultivate a sense of safety in the workplace, the key to all of them is to ensure you possess sharp mental acuity. And these days, in the age of brain fog and burn out, feeling sharp, present, and “tuned in” is increasingly difficult. While a good portion of the workforce sits in front of a computer, and needs mental acuity to focus and concentrate to perform optimally, many jobs that require physical skill need not just a sharp mind but extra vigilance to avoid serious workplace accidents. Staying sharp and focussed is essential to a safe workplace.

When we feel tuned out and burned out, or have trouble concentrating, we often reach for external help to help increase our energy and our focus. Reliance on caffeine and other substances that provide an adrenaline surge is a popular way to do this, however it is not the only, nor the safest way to help feel your most alert. Overconsumption of stimulants can lead to reliance, exhaustion, and feeling “wired but tired”. So how is natural energy created in the body?

Recognize your stressors. As we mentioned in last month’s newsletter, actually acknowledging what is taking your energy away is a great first step. Once you have recognized what is creating extra burden, employing measures like talking to a professional counsellor, doing breathwork and meditation, and exercise can help lighten the load.
Include foods with good moods! Nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins help reduce your stress and increase mental acuity. Dark green leafy vegetables, dark chocolate, brown rice, and nuts and seeds are great ways to get these nutrients in. Remember to keep your blood sugar balanced to avoid fatigue crashes by combining fat or protein with complex carbohydrates with every meal. Reducing reliance on energy-depleting substances like caffeine and refined sugar and increasing energy-giving nutrients like the ones above can make a big difference to your overall energy.
Practice Proper Sleep Hygiene If you are finding that you struggle with sleep, like so many of us do, it is essential that you prioritize the HOW of sleep. Good sleep habits take practice but make a huge difference! Shut blue light sources like screens off two hours before bed, sleep in a cool, dark space, ensure you can breathe well through your nose, and remember to do meaningful movement throughout the day to physically tire your body out before bed. There are many, many ways to get help for sleep issues like apnea or insomnia, including reaching out to one of Atrium’s qualified therapists. We are here to help.