06:00, 24 February 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Work-life balance is a common phrase that we often hear nowadays especially when talking about the current state of the job market and workplace culture. But if we were to take a trip down history, this phrase was also prominent back in the 80s as a cornerstone of the Women’s Liberation Movement.
And if there is anything this period of time - as well as many of our struggles come down to - is setting up boundaries that promote a positive emotional wellbeing and stop you from getting burnt out.
As today is Emotional Health Day which may be a weird awareness day to come across but it is all about raising awareness about the importance of mental and emotional well-being. It encourages open conversations about emotional health, reducing stigma and promoting self-care.
Without dawdling further, here are six simple yet effective tips to help you manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and prioritise your emotional health in a busy work environment.
Despite what your GCSE history teacher has told you, work isn’t worth making yourself ill over. It’s tempting to keep working after hours, especially when you have a million things on your plate. But it’s essential to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Try to stick to set hours for work, and when you’re off the clock, truly switch off.
Extend the boundaries you have made for yourself to set expectations with your team or manager – let them know when you’re available and when you’re not. Remember: you don’t have to be a superhero. It’s about finding that healthy balance and creating space for your personal life, hobbies, and rest.
Even when your workload is to the sky, taking short breaks can make a massive difference to your emotional health.
Whether it’s a 5-minute walk, stretching, or just grabbing a cuppa from the kitchen, taking time out helps to reset your mind and improve focus. It’s about avoiding burnout and ensuring you have the energy to tackle whatever’s next.
Cluttered workspace, chaotic calendar, and disorganised tasks—these things can make your mind feel just as messy. A bit of organisation can help reduce stress and keep you from leading down the path of burnout.
Take time at the start of each day to tidy up your workspace, prioritise your tasks, and set realistic goals. A clear plan can help you feel more in control and less anxious, and ticking off small achievements throughout your day can help you feel more in control and emotionally satisfied.
To put this one simply, focus on what you can do right now. It’s so easy to get caught up in the next task, the next meeting, or the next deadline. But when you’re constantly looking ahead, you miss out on what’s happening right in front of you.
Practising mindfulness is a great way to ground yourself and stay calm, especially since there is only so much one person can do. You don’t need to meditate for hours—simply taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the present moment can help you feel more balanced and in control.
Emotional health thrives on connection. Having a network of supportive colleagues or mentors can make a huge difference in how you handle stress at work. Share your challenges, celebrate successes together, and create an environment where it’s okay to ask for help. A friendly chat over coffee or a virtual catch-up can be just the thing to boost your mood and remind you that you’re not alone.
This doesn’t have to be just with work mates, Schedule a yap session with your out-of-work pals! Trust me, blowing off the steam is sometimes all you need to decompress.
We often hear about the importance of self-care, but how often do we actually make time for it? Self-care isn’t just about spa days (although that’s nice too!). It’s about making sure you get enough rest, eat well, stay active, and take time to recharge mentally. It doesn’t have to be complicated—simply taking a few minutes each day to do something you enjoy can make a world of difference to your emotional health.
Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine signals to your body that it’s time to wind down. Consider incorporating calming activities like reading, a warm bath, or guided relaxation before bed. This helps you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed, ready to face the next day with a positive mindset.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). This organisation is dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that protect the environment and improve the well-being of local communities. Find out more.
Travel Foundation. This UK independent charity works with the tourism industry to promote sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and local communities. Learn more here.
Greenpeace. This is a global movement dedicated to defending the environment through campaigns that address climate change, deforestation, pollution, and other major environmental issues. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
