Maintaining wellness at work is about more than work — it’s a 360-degree view of your life, including how you feel as you move through your day, how you manage stress and how your personal life supports your professional life.
When you take care of your overall well-being, you’ll find greater resilience and happiness in both your professional and personal life.
Set boundaries
It may feel like it takes courage to speak up and set boundaries, but remember — being uncomfortable does not equal danger. Here are tips:
- Describe the current situation without judgment.
- Share your feelings using “I” statements.
- Ask for what you want clearly and explain the positive effects it will bring.
- Negotiate: Be willing to give a little to get a little.
Align your work with your values
What are the most important contributions you want to make at work? What is of lesser value? Be proactive and persistent about reaching your most important goals. Making decisions based on your values and priorities reduces the risk of burnout and increases one’s sense of fulfillment.
Maintain work/life balance
You can’t pour from an empty cup: Self-care is a priority in creating a sustainable life. Here are some tips:
- Prioritize getting enough rest, exercising and eating a well-balanced diet.
- Ensure that each day has things you look forward to.
- Know when to leave work — and to leave its worries behind.
- Ground yourself with mindful moments of appreciation for simple pleasures and being fully present in the moments you share with others.
- Your best will look different every day. Don’t contribute to burnout by being hard on yourself.
Call the UFT Helpline 24/7 at 1-866-UFT-FOR-U, or contact the Member Assistance Program Monday through Friday at 212-701-9620 or MAPinfo [at] uft [dot] org (MAPinfo[at]uft[dot]org) to speak with a licensed clinician.