Mental Blocks in Workplace: Causes, Cure and Prevention

A study suggests that 12% of sick leaves in the UK are associated with mental health issues in the workplace. This is a serious concern as the number of employees facing mental issues is ever increasing. A mental block is also a common health issue faced by millions of employees each day. And truth be told, mental block leads to many other health issues, which can be draining and tiring for an average employee.

What is Mental Block?

Mental block meaning differs from person to person as each person has different triggers that obstruct their productivity in the workplace. Mental blocks are common in the workplace but can develop into serious anxiety and self-esteem issues if not addressed properly. There are several causes of the mental block at work, but thankfully you can address each of them with preventive and proper measures.

Mental block Causes at Work

While the mental block is common and can happen to anyone, people working in the creative sector are most likely to experience it. Sometimes they run out of ideas and cannot bring their mind to think of solutions when needed. And in such cases, if the workplace exerts a lot of pressure, mental health can be seriously impacted. Toxic workplaces are the most common cause of mental blocks, but there are some other reasons too.

1. Mental Pressure

Sometimes when you try to do even a basic thing in a lesser amount of time, the brain tends to shut down. This could be true, especially when you are making many decisions in a short period.

2. Improper Sleep

Our brain works like a machine, and proper sleep is the fuel to it. A mind that is deprived of sleep is unable to function to its maximum capability. Lack of sleep can also cause mood swings and irritability, leading to a mental block.

3. Lack of Confidence

You might not even realize it, but you are procrastinating because you don't find yourself good enough to do it. This lack of confidence can make the brain suffer, and thus you feel yourself out of ideas. This is also known as imposter syndrome and is a serious cause of anxiety in many humans.

4. Negative Thoughts

A negative mindset causes mental barriers. You may become demotivated if you believe you have little possibility of succeeding.

How to Overcome Mental Blocks at Work

You are all excited for the big day at work, but suddenly the brain refuses to cooperate. Nothing is more annoying than the last-minute betrayal from your mind, and all you are stuck with is google searches on how to deal with mental blocks. The first tip here is to relax because mental blocks can be addressed and dealt with effectively.

1. Organize your Thoughts

It's a relief to put pen to paper or type out your stream of consciousness. Journaling can be a therapeutic outlet. You can write down everything you need to do, as well as your hopes, worries, and emotions. Getting all of the craziness out of your thoughts and into paper can be incredibly therapeutic and can assist you in determining the source of your block.

2. Keep the Workspace Clean

If you are feeling a mental block at work, then there could be several reasons for that. One of the most common reasons that lead to mental blocks is desk clutter. Desk clutter or unorganized workspace is closely linked to anxiety and depression in the workplace.

Start by cleaning your workstation and organize things to see a change in the way your mind reacts to the surroundings.

3. Be Present

Mindfulness is the practice of concentrating on the present moment. It's not ruminating on the past or planning out all of the duties you'll have to perform in the future. Allowing yourself to be in the present moment and simply noticing is what mindfulness is all about. Pay attention to how you're feeling and what's causing you to feel that way. Your mental barrier could be exacerbated by the disconnect you're experiencing in your daily life.

4. Re-think the Approach

Simply deciding to retrain your mind is the first step toward knowing how to overcome a mental obstacle. Make a list of everything you're thinking and feeling. Replace self-limiting thoughts with empowering beliefs whenever they arise. This will help identify the problem areas, and you can have better energy levels.

Tips to Avoid Mental Blocks at Work

To avoid mental blocks at work entirely is not possible as our brains are wired to shut down when under extra load. But here are some ways to prevent yourself from reaching that level of exertion.

1. Realistic Goals

Keeping work expectations realistic is essential if you don't want your employees to face mental block depression. Realistic goals help employees achieve better results without having to face an extra load of stress. Companies must ensure to provide employees the right tool and motivation to work and not burden them beyond their capability.

2. Frequent Breaks

Human minds are like machines; if not attended to the care, they will lose efficiency and desired output. Taking a break from work is essential if you need to feel productive, which is why many great organizations encourage employee flexibility.

Hence, the concept of standing desks which allows your body to take a physical break from work. Standing desks are a useful accessory that helps in switching between sit and stand positions. It ensures that no part of the body is under extra stress.

3. Comfort

The whole concept of an ergonomic workspace is to encourage the health and wellness of employees in the work setting. If employees are well taken care of, they won't feel physical burn out and the chances of having a mental block also subsequently decrease, which is why comfort is an important quality to have in a workplace.

You can encourage comfort for employees in several ways. For instance, getting the best desk set up with all the essential desk accessories and an ergonomic chair could be the right solution to provide comfort to employees.

4. Communication

One must be confident enough to communicate when one is not feeling it. This can prevent our minds from shutting down and also ensure rest before it's too late. Organizations must ensure employees feel safe enough to communicate their concerns with the management.