My least favorite statistic is that on average, Americans spend about one-third of their lives at work. That is an estimated 90,000 hours over a lifetime. ( I would much rather use that time to sit on a beach, think about world domination, or spend time with my family). But, with those stats, I cannot stress enough the importance of protecting our mental well-being, especially in the workplace. Our work environment can be a breeding ground for stress, anxiety, and burnout, which can have detrimental effects on our health and performance. So, let's talk about how we can protect our mental health at work and maintain balance and harmony in our lives.

1. Practice mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. Incorporating mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your workday can help you stay calm and centered amidst a sea of deadlines and meetings.

2. Set healthy boundaries We must learn to set healthy boundaries to protect our mental health. This means knowing when to say no to requests that overload us, taking breaks when we need them, and leaving work at the office when the day is done.

3. Connect with others ( If you are into that) Our social connections can play a vital role in our mental well-being. Engage with your colleagues, cultivate supportive relationships, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

4. Take care of your physical health Our physical health and mental health are interconnected. So, taking care of our physical health through regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can boost our mental health and protect us from burnout.

5. Seek support If you're struggling with your mental health, don't suffer in silence. Seek support from your employer's employee assistance program, a therapist, or a support group. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. Dance it out Whenever you feel the stress of a looming deadline or an angry boss, just break out into a dance party at your desk. Not only will it release some tension, but your coworkers will get a kick out of your sweet moves.

7. Treat yourself Who says you can't indulge in some self-care during the workday? If you work from home, slap on a face mask. Or treat yourself to some midday chocolate.

8. Talk to your plants Did you know that talking to plants can actually improve your mental health? So go ahead, take a moment to chat with your office fern. It might just be the listening ear you need.

9. Create a stress ball out of office supplies Sure, you could buy a stress ball, but why not make your own out of office supplies? A rubber band ball, paperclip chain, or tape dispenser all make for excellent stress-relief tools.

10. Laugh with your coworkers Laughter is the best medicine, so lighten the mood by cracking a few jokes with your coworkers. Who knows, you might just turn your office into the next SNL writers' room.

11. Take a mental health day Sometimes, you just need a break. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a mental health day to reset and recharge. Just make sure to put up an "Out of Office" email that says you're on a "business trip to Hawaii."

In conclusion, protecting our mental health at work is crucial for our well-being and success. So, let's practice mindfulness, set healthy boundaries, connect with others, take care of our physical health, and seek support when we need it. Let's strive for balance, harmony, and optimal well-being in our lives. Please also be mindful and support your coworkers when they protect their mental health.