MHM | Tips When Working Away To Better Manage Your Mental Health & Well-being

Since working away in the mining industry with the FIFO workers in the Pilbara of Western Australia, I have become very aware of the challengers the individuals working away face. I wanted to share some tips and advice on actions I have implemented in my daily routine to help me better manage my mental health and well-being while away. These tips and advice apply to any job that involves working away. 

1. Change your perception of being away from work - Your perception becomes your reality. A negative perception is never going to give you a positive outcome. 

2. Stick to a routine or structure - Just because your away doesn't mean everything goes out the window and that you aren't accountable because you aren' t in your home environment, Sleep is important in this. Stick to a plan. 

3. Exercise 20 minutes /day - You need to exercise at least 20 mins a day. Something is better than nothing. When you don't feel like doing something, that is the exact time you need to do something. If you aren't an active person make very small changers and implementations. Seek advice if needed.

4. Diet - Manage what you are puting into your body, eat well, drink plenty of water, limit poor food choices, large portion sizes and alcohol consumption. Don't let poor choices be your coping strategies.

5. Check in with family friends and loved ones regularly - Use Technology to your advantage. A key is to finish the conversation on a positive note no matter what. 

6. Have time out from your work schedule - Do something for yourself each day, whether it be going for a walk, going to the gym or reading a book. Maintaining a positive work life balance is crucial in maintaining a positive mental health and well-being.

If you do work away have a go at implementing some of these into your daily routines. If you already have positive processes in place awesome stuff and continue doing what your doing. 

Remember there is no secret answer to better managing your health and well-being. It is a combination of strong support networks and positive coping strategies done consistently.