With a work culture of tight deadlines, intense workloads and expected overtime, accountancy can be a high-pressure profession and, without proper support mechanisms, can take its toll on your mental well-being.

While a small amount of pressure can be useful to motivate us at work, if you feel constantly overwhelmed then this exposure to long-term stress can have a real impact on your mental health. When we don’t deal with our stressors and that stress turns chronic, we put ourselves at a greater risk of burnout. 

Paul Guess, a mental well-being expert at caba, says prioritising our well-being at work is key to avoiding burnout. “Work-related stress and poor mental health can be caused by various reasons. Whether it’s feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks or overarching work pressures, employees can put their well-being at risk when balancing feelings of stress and pressure.

“When we feel stressed, it releases stress hormones which trigger the ‘fight or flight’ response. This is designed to help our bodies handle stress, but long-term exposure can cause mental and physical illnesses,” he adds. 

Stress at work, and the symptoms of stress, must be taken seriously and it’s important to make changes early on. The earlier you tackle the issue the less it will impact your well-being, Guess says. 

Five tips to help prioritise your mental health in the workplace:  

1) Set clear boundaries

There are many demands on us in the workplace. Add that to an increased sense of competitiveness, where people’s value is attributed to how busy they are, and it’s not great for anyone’s mental health. 

Learn to say ‘no’ with context, focus on being honest and explaining what can – and can’t – be done. Clear communication of our limits can help manage stress as it prevents resentment creeping in due to heavy workloads.

2) Build relationships with colleagues  

No one understands workplace stress better than your colleagues. They can be a big source of support when it comes to the management of everyday tasks and during periods of uncertainty.

Make sure to build time for engagement with your peers and teams. Encouraging everyone to support each other, rather than compete, will lead to a healthier and happier working environment. 

3) Manage your time 

Effective time management is another essential tool when you’re thinking of how to reduce stress. Being organised with to-do lists helps prioritise tasks, while tackling issues as they arise keeps focus sharp and anxiety at bay. 

Scheduling regular breaks for relaxation ensures we recharge and maintain a healthy separation between work and personal life. Going out for a walk to get some fresh air and a change of scenery, for example, can boost your overall mood and enhance productivity. 

4) Consider your goals  

Having clear goals is equally important. By reflecting on our aspirations – whether seeking a promotion or wishing to acquire new skills – we can maintain motivation and focus without succumbing to undue pressure.

It’s vital to remind ourselves that we cannot control everything. Celebrating daily accomplishments reinforces our sense of control and helps prioritise our mental well-being. 

5) Practice self-care 

Review how much time you actually spend resting and practising self-care and make these two areas a pivotal part of your life. 

Dedicating a small portion of your day to relaxing not only gives you something to look forward to, but also gives you that all-important opportunity to switch off. From reading, listening to music, yoga or a walk in nature, you can try out different ways to help you think of how to manage stress and improve your mental health. 

Setting a consistent sleep routine can also significantly improve your mental health, while practising regular exercise can help release endorphins which reduce stress. 

Recognising stress triggers and implementing these coping strategies can not only help prioritise your mental well-being, but also help create a healthier work environment.