It’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 here in the UK, and Mental Health Awareness Month for the whole of May in the US, so we wanted to address this extremely important subject with some helpful info on how you can manage anxiety at work.
Anxiety is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and it would be difficult to come across a soul who doesn’t experience anxiety about something in their lives, but when it starts to affect everyday activities, that’s a clear sign to check in with yourself.
Much advocacy for reducing the stigma around mental health means that people are being more honest and open than ever, and inspiration has begun sprouting from people you would never expect, like celebrities and other important public figures. During a recent visit to Laura Lane Studios in Market Harborough, Vagaro came to realise that anxiety and other mental health issues can easily trickle into the workplace. The question is: How do we handle it when it does?
Vagaro chatted with the owner of Laura Lane Studios (Laura), the Salon Manager (Lucy), Senior Stylist (Abbie), and the Trainee Stylist & Receptionist (Hannah) to find out how they manage it.
How do you think anxiety could impact your position?
Lucy: Anxiety can impact our jobs in a variety of ways. A lot of the time I’m worrying about whether I’m doing enough—am I enough, is my team happy, are my clients happy? There is a lot of pressure involved. It’s very easy to snowball.
So how do you stop yourself from snowballing?
Lucy: Let me know when you find out!
Everyone laughs at the real-life struggle in typical British fashion. But when the playfulness stops, the ladies share some solid tactics for when times get tough in the studios and Hannah shares what’s important for them as a collective workforce.
Hannah: We are really good at sitting down together and working things out as a team. I think that is very helpful and makes me feel like I’m not on my own.
Laura: You just have to be honest and open. We help each other out if we’re having a moment, or we’re feeling the pressure. You must step back sometimes and take a minute to yourself to process it all. I find meditation extremely helpful, even just going for a walk and getting some fresh air. It’s so important to be self-aware. Ask yourself, “Am I alright?” It’s okay to not be; everyone feels like they aren’t okay sometimes—and that’s okay.
Why is it important for you to look after yourself?
Laura: It is very easy to burn out in this day and age. There is always a million & one things going on in our minds and our lives. You need to be in top form if you mean to keep up with it all.
Learn more about why your mental health matters for your business.
Abbie: In this industry, you work so hard and work a lot of hours. Sometimes it can feel like you’re not a person anymore, just a vessel, where you make others feel good. But you need that time for yourself, too. Sometimes it is easier to be a robot than it is to face when you need a break. But it’s so important to take those breaks.
How do you look after yourself at work?
Laura: When you’re on the shop floor, you need to be the best version of yourself, but it’s so important to take breaks. We’re getting seating outside for breaks, so we can get that sunshine & vitamin D. That has a big impact on mood. Work-life balance is very important. If I have a happy workforce, they will work at their very best and the clients will feel that vibe—then everyone is happy.
How do you look after each other?
Laura: As a boss, it’s very important to set the culture up for being open and honest with how you feel without being judged.
Abbie: Frequent dance breaks are also a great help!
Laura puts the cherry on top as she shares: We’ve all got a bit of a wonky brain, but it’s just part of who we are!
Whether you’re the owner of a multi-location business or a solopreneur, running the show eventually catches up with you. Keeping your mental health top of mind & using the right tools to automate & streamline your day-to-day can alleviate much of the stress. Browse Vagaro’s supportive features and give the free 30-day trial a go to see how it can help you too.
