Practical Tips for Prioritizing Mental Health

Life sciences is an incredibly rewarding field that comes with its own unique set of challenges. On the one hand, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in improving lives can be fulfilling – but on the other hand, you are continuously operating in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and a demanding workload. Spending 40 hours a week (and often more!) in such a high-stress environment can be detrimental to your mental health. In honor of August being National Wellbeing month, this blog will explore effective strategies to prioritize and nurture your mental and emotional well-being, empowering you to excel both personally and professionally in the dynamic world of life sciences.

Practice Work/Life Balance – at Work

According to a survey published in 2022 by UKG,
of 1,850 people managers, 63% responded that they are thinking of quitting
their jobs either due to a poor work-life balance or burnout. If you are
finding it difficult to carve out time to engage in stress-releasing activities
after hours, try sprinkling them in throughout your workday. Instead of having
lunch at your desk, sit outside and call a friend or family member you’ve been
meaning to catch up with. Or, if you need some quiet time, use your break to
read, meditate, or simply take a walk around your office parking lot or around
the block if you work remotely. The key is to take some time for yourself to do
something you enjoy to help you break up a tough day of hard work.

Get at Least 7 Hours of Sleep a Day

Getting a full night’s sleep can help you feel replenished and more alert, making you less likely to experience burnout. One of the most important habits you can practice before going to sleep is eliminating screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime, as recommended by The National Sleep Foundation. The blue light from our phones, tablets, and TVs suppresses melatonin, making it harder for you to wind down and sleep. If you’re finding it hard to let go of your phone, try putting it in another room at night and using an alarm clock to wake up instead.

Pro Tip: Try a relaxing activity before bedtime. If you don’t have a good book, you can use a guided meditation app like Insight Timer or Headspace to wind down before going to sleep.

Create a Supportive Network

 “No man is an island,”
so don’t underestimate the value of just talking it out with another person.
Developing a support group is key to maintaining your mental health. Your
support group could consist of a colleague or mentor who understands the
challenges and rewards of your day-to-day in life sciences or friends or family
who can give you an outsider’s perspective. Whoever you choose, create a
relationship where you’re receiving the support and guidance you need. It’s
also important to keep in mind that professional help is available. FUSE
clients have access to a no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that is
available 24/7 and is equipped to provide support on any challenges you may be
facing, regardless of whether they are work-related or personal. 

Interested in learning more about our EAP and other services available to our FUSE clients? Let us show you how FUSE can work for you, contact us today!