breaks between each work-related task. It doesn’t have to be a long one – just enough to stop you from jumping straight into another task.
If you can take a walk outside the office, that can be helpful as well. At the very least, you should avoid having lunch at your desk.
Outside the office, it’s a good idea to make time for the things you truly enjoy. Whether that’s spending time with friends and family, trying out new things, or indulging in a much-loved hobby, your brain will have something to focus on other than work.
These activities can also go a long way in relieving your stress.
Finally, despite the effects of your job, you need to take steps to sleep well. You need at least 7 hours of sleep per night, so try to get to sleep at a set time every night and make sure that your bedroom is conducive to getting rest.
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When To Get A Professional Involved
Even if you’re taking steps to take care of yourself, you may need a mental health professional if the symptoms persist. While some therapists are hesitant to equate workplace trauma with other forms of PTSD, you can still benefit from seeing someone who specializes in the disorder.
It’s also important to note that the workplace could have negatively affected any undiagnosed mental health issues. Seeing a professional is a great way to get to the root cause of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and get the treatment that you need.
There’s still a lot to learn about workplace PTSD and how employees can protect themselves. Though it would be best for companies to create healthy environments, you can’t always depend on anything changing on that front. The only thing you can do is learn how to identify toxic workplaces, make a plan to maintain your mental health, and get the help you need as soon as possible.