​May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and to commemorate this important occasion, GQR hosted a roundtable discussion focused on promoting mental health and well-being. During our open discussion, we invited employees to share their experiences and best practices for managing stress, navigating through work-life balance, and prioritizing themselves.

In this blog, we’ll dive into key takeaways from the roundtable, including activities such as meditation, journaling, affirmations, and more. Additionally, we invite you explore GQR’s Mental Health Awareness playlist on Spotify, to listen to, sing along, and maybe even break out a dance move or two!

Meditation

One of the key recommendations discussed during the roundtable was the practice of meditation. Taking a few minutes each day to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment can have a profound impact on reducing stress and enhancing overall mental clarity.

Journaling

Grab a pen, pencil, marker, or crayon, and get to writing! Journaling provides a great opportunity to center yourself and cultivate positivity. Participants recommend incorporating the “Five Minute Journal”, a simple method that includes jotting down daily affirmations, reflecting on the good, and setting intentions for your future.

Disconnecting After Work

This one can be easy to overlook but is essential to implement into your routine. While it can be easy to get caught up in your tasks and responsibilities, it’s important to establish boundaries between your work and personal life. Prioritize your tasks to stay on track but remember – you can only control so much! Once your work has been completed for the day, remember to turn off notifications and spend time away from your computer screen. This will allow you time to recharge and relax, and provide you with a reset as you enter into your next work day.

Stay Active!

Not only a benefit for our physical health, staying active has also been proven to provide a significant positive impact on mental well-being. GQR’s roundtable highlighted activities including yoga, Pilates, going for a walk around your neighborhood, and more. No matter the activity, find a way to boost endorphins and get moving.

Taking Breaks

It’s easy to zone into your workload. And while it makes the days fly by, you also need to give yourself a break! We encourage you to try one or more of these stress methods and take regular breaks throughout the workday so you can recharge and refocus. Taking a few minutes to have a snack, read a chapter in your favorite book, or go for a 10-minute walk is the perfect amount of time to reset, recharge, and take on the remainder of your day.

While there are plenty more ways to prioritize yourself and provide clarity, incorporating these practices into your everyday life is a guaranteed way to enhance our mental resilience and overall happiness. It’s important to remember that mental health should always be a priority. Let’s take the first step together towards a healthier mindset and embrace these practices as we continue to navigate through life. Additional Resources for Mental Health are listed below:

• Mental Health America

• Earthing / Grounding mindfulness practice

• National Alliance on Mental Illness

• National Center for PTSD

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Thank you once again to our panelists for their openness and vulnerability during the roundtable discussion, and a big thank you to all the attendees for their active participation, engagement, and collaboration. Together, we can continue to support each other’s mental health and well-being in the workplace while breaking the stigma!

**If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, please remember to reach out to a helpline or emergency services in your country. They are there to provide support and ensure your safety.