Do you feel like you put your physical health before your mental health, especially when it comes to your job? If you answered yes, then you are one of many working Brits who say they have prioritised their body over their minds.

New research carried out by Vitality health insurance found that seven in 10 (70%) openly admit to placing more emphasis on their physical condition. This is despite 71% saying the conversation about mental health is more prominent than ever.

However, a staggering three-quarters (75%) believe physical health problems are still taken more seriously than mental health struggles. This reflection has a particular connection to work, half of the 2,000 people surveyed say they have never taken a day off for their mental health, but the overall majority (73%) have done so for a physical ailment.

The fear of being judged, according to 44% of respondents, is the main reason for not taking a day off for their mind or being honest with their boss. Furthermore, a third are of the opinion that their employer wouldn’t understand, while 17% believe that their job would be in jeopardy if they did.

As mental health issues are still often seen as ‘silent’ illnesses, it’s not surprising that a great number of individuals are more comfortable coming forward for medical help if pain is tangible on the body. 

Over half (54%) say because they can feel physical pain, they think it’s more evident than a mental health issue. A further 72% say it’s difficult to measure how bad mental health issues are in comparison to physical ailments, and 39% admit they don’t want to bother professionals with mental struggles as physical health problems are more urgent.

Silvia Cordoba, wellbeing coach at Vitality health insurance, says this research confirms that our conversations about mental health still have a long way to go, especially in the working world.

“The conversation around mental health in the workplace is a fundamental one,” she says. “Although it has started to open up, there is so much more to be done. To help drive this conversation even further, we must understand that mental health is as essential to our wellbeing as physical health is – and that they are inevitably connected.

“While people seem more comfortable discussing their physical pain, we are not there yet when it comes to mental health challenges. However, there is so much power in talking, it reaps real benefits for our mental health. And this is something we do with friends, family, colleagues or even strangers on a daily basis.

“We could think of it as a workout for the mind. These would be regular mental check-ins in the form of talking to someone around us and/or to mental health professionals. This can be just as important as going to the gym as it raises levels of understanding, relieves stress and improves overall health.”

To give yourself a ‘mental health workout’ and improve your wellbeing in life and at work, Cordoba says there are a few things you can do. 

The first is to open up. 

“Practice sharing how you’re feeling with those around you,” she advises. “Don’t shy away from the highs and the lows. Although easier said than done, try and be open-minded and allow others to hear you.

“Talking about yourself and some challenges you may be facing is nothing to be ashamed of. We all go through challenges; it is only human.”

Meanwhile, physical and mental health are often interlinked. so Cordoba is an advocate for movement. “For those who are time shy, some good tips are to try taking calls on walks round the block or adding movement into five to 10 minutes breaks,” she says. “You can even set a reminder to stretch and move every hour or two.” 

Working, especially in the corporate world, leaves very little room for creativity. Cordoba notes it is important to tap into this part of you.

“Being creative can take you out of your rational mind and help you express yourself in a different way,” she adds. “Whatever you enjoy, whether it is drawing, cooking, making music or something totally different, find something where you can be fully yourself. It should be an activity where you don’t need to be good or bad, just simply be. Finding ways to experience joy is crucial for good mental health.”

Finally, Cordoba notes that mindfulness is a powerful tool. Although it may be a buzzword of sorts, there’s a reason why experts recommend it time and time again.

“Mindfulness is a technique that helps you become totally present and aware of what’s going on in the moment,’ she explains. “It helps us take note of how we are feeling, while also acknowledging external factors without judgment. It helps you be still and in today’s busy world, this is crucial for our health, both in body and mind.”

Images: Getty