June 28th, 2021

How to Improve Your Mental Health at Work – A Guide for Logistics Industry Employees

What makes the logistics industry so fascinating, is that organisations that operate in this space are incredibly unique hybrids that each thrive in very different ways of working. Whether through their engagement, location, or shift patterns, each is very particular in how business is carried out.

Subject to what a logistics business does explicitly, they may have various employees working for them either on a part-time or full-time basis. In this, they may cooperate with subcontractors, contractors, or maybe even some temporary staff from agencies during their very busiest seasons.

However, most will have employees that work in a variety of ways. Some from the office, some from home, some from the warehouse, and definitely drivers on the road multiple times throughout the week.

It’s no secret that this environment is incredibly fast-paced, with a lot of pressure on time and accuracy, which ultimately make logistics very challenging – especially when it comes to mental health at work.

In this article, we’re going to dive into how to improve your mental health at work when your role is based within the logistics industry, and figure out just how powerful workplace mental health programs are.

How to Improve Your Mental Health at Work

Here’s some practical tips on creating the right kind of environment for employee’s mindsets and attitudes to thrive for the greater good of all stakeholders.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Anything You Need

Let’s face it; nobody knows your mental state better than you do. You’re your biggest critic, but you’re also your biggest supporter. The first step in understanding how to improve your mental health at work is to have confidence, and ask for anything you need.

If your company doesn’t provide workplace mental health programs, ask for one. If you need more flexible working hours, ask for it. If you require a bigger or better desk, or any number of small changes – ask. All in all, it could make a big difference to your mental health at work and overall wellbeing.

Build a Support Network through Colleagues

If you’re close to colleagues whom you’re able to talk about work issues to, you can always build a support network through them -if you feel comfortable, that is. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, go somewhere you’re able to talk openly.

In addition to speaking to colleagues, you can also talk to managers and arrange 1-1’s to discuss any issues you may be facing when it comes to mental wellness in the workplace.

Accept It, Be Honest

When you’re struggling with mental health at work or even personal issues, it’s essential to be honest with yourself about how you feel, your concerns, and your anxieties.

Acknowledging how you feel is the first step in finding a way to manage them.

Only Share When You’re Ready

Your employer will definitely be able to provide some sort of support through workplace mental health programs.

However, you must ensure you keep in mind that you are under no obligation to disclose any challenges you face regarding mental wellness in the workplace. The decision to share or not is entirely yours.

Use the Resources Available

Following on from that, if you are ready to share, then make sure you do! Use your resources and everything available to you, like workplace mental health programs.

Here, you’ll be able to gain confidential and independent advice from a trained psychologist or therapist, who will help you get to the root of the problem.

How to Improve Your Mental Health at Work Through Nutrition, Exercise and Mindfulness

It may seem obvious, but fast-paced, target-driven workplaces often overlook or neglect some of the most basic human essentials when it comes to wellness and nutrition among their workforce. Taking proactive measures towards building an awareness of – and action plan around – the following items will help remedy any oversights your firm may have.

Healthy Eating

Believe it or not, the food you eat has a significant impact on how your mind works. If you’re looking to reduce mood swings, gain a better sleep, and improve your concentration, a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can make all the difference.

Avoid processed foods, drink plenty of water, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night.

Get Your Heart Pumping

It’s no secret just how much of an impact exercise is able to have on your emotional wellbeing. By partaking in physical activity for at least 1 hour per day, you can boost your energy levels, mood, relieve stress, increase self-esteem, and even improve your memory and sleep.

If you’re not usually big on exercise, it’s never too late to start. Begin slowly, go for a brisk walk, a pleasant jog, even a short hike in nature. It can change your attitude, and ultimately, your life.

Practice Mindfulness Daily

Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment that you’re in. It revolves around focusing on where you are, and what you’re doing, instead of constantly being consumed by the things going on around you.

To get started, you can follow the below simple techniques to help relieve you of feelings of anxiety or stress. If you’re looking for even more tips, see this resource from the Ellevate Network:

• Focus on Your Breathing – In through your nose, out through your mouth. Try to make one breath cycle last for around 6 seconds. Here, you should let go of your thoughts completely and focus on your breathing in the moment.
• Observe Your Environment – Observe your environment and find a natural object that you find interesting. When you have, go ahead and focus on it for a minute or two. While you gaze at this object, do not do anything except allow yourself to watch it. Think of it as you’re seeing it for the first time, and consider how it fits into the world.
• Show Gratitude – Try to find five small things throughout your day that you would usually not notice, or not appreciate. It could be something like slipping your feet into your favourite pair of slippers. Or, it could be the sound of the birds in the morning. Relate each one to how it improves your life in very small, but very meaningful ways.

Where to Seek Help for Workplace Mental Health Issues

If you need immediate emotional support and are struggling to cope, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free or visit Mind or the NHS for help.

You’re not alone. If you suffer from stress or anxiety, there are so many resources available that will help you for free. From apps, to organisations, books, and podcasts – you can seek support on various topics, including mental, financial, social, and physical wellbeing. We’ve incorporated a few suggestions to get you started:

• Every Mind Matters – Ran by the NHS, this is a great place to get started. Every Mind Matters offers advice, and provides you with ways to cope with everyday issues like anxiety, low moods, sleep, and even pressures created by the logistics industry or COVID-19 pandemic.
• 10 best podcasts about mental health – This podcast provides helpful tips for coping with depression and anxiety from those who have lived through it first hand, spent their lives helping people who have, or both.
• 17 best mental health books for 2021 – The books outlined here are sure to inspire, motivate, and uplift you, while also providing you with meaningful and practical strategies to boost workplace mental health.
• Mental health apps – Check out these apps that are designed to help you defeat anxiety, depression, and stress – all recommended by the MS UK.

Having covered the physical health side of things in-depth previously, we sincerely hope this article has given you all the information you need to stay informed of your rights as an employee and responsibilities as an employer when it comes to promoting a strong mental health support infrastructure within your logistics organisation.

Empowering each other to pull together for the greater good of the individual which will, in turn, benefit your organisation if you do right by your most important stakeholders – your team.