The power of observation

Notice and identify when we are feeling stressed. Avoid brushing it off or pretending that we are not experiencing stress.

Use the feelings tracker to identify how we are feeling and make sense of it using the Emotions Explorer.

If we are able to accept our emotions, and label them non-judgementally, it will allow us to better process what is making us feel a certain way.

The power of time management

Being more organised and planning our time in advance can help us feel more in control. This can include better prioritising of our to-do list based on what is important to us at the moment and accepting that it’s ok to not do it all at once.

It gives us a clear overview of the tasks that need to be done. Whip out that to-do list and calendar, and start planning!

The power of me-time and we-time

Taking care of ourselves takes care of stress too! Sometimes, we forget to take care of our own needs and to take breaks to do what we enjoy.

We can take time off from work or school for some self-care, choose to head out for a jog, go rollerblading, or lose ourselves in music, movies, or just take a relaxing nap.

Spending time with loved ones also zaps away the stress. This also means keeping healthy relationships and having a good support system.

The power of movement

Exercise keeps us fit and releases endorphins and serotonin. These are known as ‘happy hormones’!

Start small, like a short 10-minute walk or dance video; or make it a group affair with a family hike or cycling outing with friends! We can stay active with free workout classes or sign up for the National Steps Challenge™ and start clocking our steps.

The power of mindfulness

Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, to our thoughts and feelings, without any judgement.

Very often, spending too much time problem solving, thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining and stressful.

Practising mindfulness can help us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, so that instead of being overwhelmed by them, we are better able to manage them.

The power of rest

Get at least seven hours of sleep every night! A well-rested self with supercharged concentration and productivity can face-off with stressful situations much better!

Participate in the Sleep Challenge and get rewarded for getting sufficient sleep.

Find out how else we can sleep well.

The power of healthy eating

We are what we eat! A healthy and balanced diet provides our body with adequate vitamins and minerals to boost our immune system.

It’ll also fuel us up for when the going gets tough, so we can outlast any stressors coming our way!

The power of managing perfectionism

The notion of perfectionism may sometimes create high expectations that we may hold ourselves to. As a result, we might become too harsh on ourselves because of this ‘set’ of standards. In comparison, others may find that our standards are too high.

Incorporating realistic thoughts can help us manage expectations of perfectionism. We can have thoughts such as “My good works are still there even if I make one mistake” or “I’m only human and it’s okay to slip up now and then.”

Taking on a new perspective is another way to manage perfectionism. Be objective in assessing our standards, whether they are realistic and healthy.

The power of vulnerability

Seeking help or opening up about our feelings is not a sign of weakness. We also don’t have to wait for our problems to become big, or for a special time to reach out. After all, if our friends or people we care about come to us with their struggles, we would be happy to listen or help them as well.

Talking to others can help relieve pent-up feelings or worries, and might give us a fresh new perspective on how to get over our stressful period.

The power of boundaries

Having the courage to say no and learning how to do it tactfully is an important life skill.

For example, if we are feeling burnt out from work, and our manager is asking us to take on more responsibilities, we can share with them our current workload and explain our lack of bandwidth. Update our supervisor regularly so that adjustments can be made to our workload for optimal performance.

We should set boundaries between ourselves and our stressors. We have the power to determine when the stress and load is excessive by our standards. This is especially important when we are feeling burnt out. Boundaries can apply to all aspects of our lives, including our relationships at work, our social lives, and within our families.

Disconnect from work after working hours

Some of us might have the tendency to stay logged on to our work devices after working hours. However, this might make it challenging for us to have proper rest as we may feel obliged to respond to emails, etc.

We can try to switch off our work devices after working hours. If necessary, we could have open and honest discussions with our supervisors and co-workers about setting boundaries for after-hours communications. Remember — pacing ourselves is critical in preventing burnouts.

Make time to rest

Rest is an important part of our lives. When we give ourselves time to rest, we can recharge and be ready for the challenges that come our way. Taking short breaks can boost our moods and help us feel more engaged at work.

One way to feel more rested is through practising mindfulness. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, to our thoughts and feelings, without any judgement. Try practising body scans, where we pay attention to the sensations of the different parts of our bodies.

Rest can also take place while at work. Self-care is about setting care time – taking time to pause at work, at appropriate junctures, to boost and support our mental well-being.

Know ourselves better through this quiz and read on to pick-up tips on how we can improve our mental well-being.