Building Workplace Resilience: Mental Fitness Strategies for Thriving Under Pressure
When the Stress Bucket Overflows
When task demands are high and your stress vulnerability bucket feels like it’s overspilling, it can be tough to know what to do. From my experience as an occupational therapist and mental health specialist, I see this challenge come up often during mentoring sessions. My purpose is to help people develop a sense of agency so that, despite tough times, they can bounce forward—not just back.
What Helps Build Workplace Resilience?
1. Our Thoughts: Shaping a Resilient Mindset
Otherwise known as mindset, the way we think can make or break our ability to handle pressure. Shifting our perspective to see things through a possibility-focused lens can help us unpack what is - and isn’t - within our control. This is the essence of working out your ‘mindfit muscles’.
2. Our Feelings: Channeling Emotional Energy
Vent and Reflect
Unpacking unhelpful feelings can take different forms:
Talking it out: Find a good listener and take time to vent. Having a monologue to get things off your chest can help discharge the negative energy that, if left to stockpile, can become toxic.
Gaining perspective: Engage in dialogue to make sense of your emotional state. Brief those around you about what you need - most of the time, we don’t need solutions but space to bounce ideas and draw our own conclusions.
The Power of Kindness
Kindness - whether from others or yourself - can go a long way in tough times. Helpful words, acts of service, or even just TLC can make a big impact. Learning self-care is key:
Give yourself permission to indulge - whether it’s biscuits and tea, a movie, a hot bath, or a day off.
Remember, kindness starts with you.
3. Our Actions: ‘Doing’ to Make a Difference
Sometimes resilience comes from taking action. This could mean solving a specific problem or simply doing something to shift your mental state. Actions that help discharge negative energy or calm an overthinking brain include:
Taking a walk.
Doing yoga or a workout.
Losing yourself in a creative activity.
These small but meaningful actions can restore inner calm, lighten the burden, and recharge your ability to tackle challenges.
What Works for You?
Do you know what you need when you feel overloaded, worn out, or backed into a corner by workplace challenges?
Building workplace resilience isn’t about being superhuman; it’s about understanding and strengthening your mental fitness through thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Let’s Build Your Mental Fitness Plan
If workplace challenges are leaving you feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I can help. As an occupational therapist and mental fitness coach, I specialize in creating tailored strategies to help you thrive.
Here’s how we can work together:
Unpack your stress triggers and build a toolkit of practical strategies.
Strengthen your mental fitness to handle challenges with clarity and confidence.
Develop sustainable habits that align with your personal and professional goals.
Ready to take action? Let’s work together to build your resilience and create a custom mental fitness plan. Get in touch today—your future self will thank you.
