There are many reasons work can affect the mental health of a person. Not least of which is that taking a break or leaving work to look after your well-being can threaten your and your family’s livelihood. 

Aside from that, the high-paced and unpredictable nature of today’s work environment can result in commonly experienced issues in the workplace, including:

• Burnout: Burnout is the experience of complete physical and mental exhaustion at work, usually as a result of an intense workload. A survey conducted by Indeed reported 52% of respondents were experiencing burnout, representing a 9% increase from before the pandemic.

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• Unpleasant relationships with coworkers: Oftentimes, workplace anxiety exists as a result of troubling experiences with team members or bosses. Bullying behavior, harassment, or unwanted sexual advances can make entering and working in an office a traumatizing experience.

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• Pandemic-related stress and uncertainty: The impact of COVID-19 can’t be understated in terms of its effect on workplace stress. Pressure to return to the office or stay working from home is negatively affecting people in various ways. Not to mention the economic depression of wages, the increasing cost of living, and significant concerns about medical health and the related costs in the U.S. 

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Somewhat surprisingly, workplace mental health issues are even more prevalent in self-employed entrepreneurs. 

Problems like substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and other health concerns appear more frequently in people who are self-employed when compared to traditional workers, according to psychologist and researcher Dr. Michael Freeman in this Stigma podcast episode.

As Christians, we have a broad range of spiritual tools and comforting principles and ideas. We also have a healthy community of like-minded people to provide us with work-related mental health support when we feel workplace stress. 

You only need to look as far as the Bible to find a selection of comforting verses that offer quick encouragement when your work environment becomes overwhelming. 

Take this powerful verse from the book of Isaiah, for example: 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

As Christians, we need to keep in mind that we are always under the protective eye of the Almighty so long as we are living according to His will. 

What other ways can elements of the Christian faith help us on our journey toward a healthy workplace?

Let’s look at four spiritual strategies you can use to better your mental health.

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Prayer

Prayer should be your number one spiritual remedy for any workplace mental health challenges you face, and indeed many other problems you encounter in life. 

When we pray, we are in direct communion with God, and He can provide essential strength, comfort, and counsel when we need it most. 

Learning how to pray in accordance with the six foundational principles of prayer is a good way to make the most of your sacred communication with God. 

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God invites us to have a personal relationship with Him through prayer, and you’d be missing out on a truly abundant source of personal strength and resilience if you didn’t maintain a regular practice of prayer. 

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Bible reading

How astonishing it is that a book as old as the Bible can provide timely and relevant words of advice about modern-day problems. It can help you with a challenging company culture, a lopsided work-life balance, and contemporary mental health conditions like anxiety disorders. 

While you’re just as likely to find words of comfort by flicking to a random page, there are Bible verses on personal strength that are well-suited to those struggling with burnout at work. 

Across its vast pages exists a plethora of stories, hymns, and verses describing the ways in which our ancient religious heroes overcame physical, mental, and spiritual challenges through the power of God and the Holy Spirit. 

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Church visits

A core part of Christianity, and one of its most welcome and uplifting features, is the powerful community of Christians worldwide.

We have a responsibility as God’s children to help each other out in times of stress and uncertainty. One of the ways we can do that is by attending church and being in communion with each other. 

Church is a place where we can gather and receive guidance from religious experts like priests and pastors, hear sermons, and speak with one another about our problems. 

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Meditation and mindfulness

While not an explicit part of the Christian doctrine like prayer, meditation and mindfulness allow us to focus on what’s essential and quiet the hum of anxiety within us. 

If you are unsure how to approach meditation and mindfulness, which have a set of unique techniques and practices, read this guide to learn more.

Working will always carry some element of stress, given its crucial importance in our lives. 

Like with any other challenge we will face, we can turn to the fundamental Christian principles of prayer, scripture reading, church, and community to provide spiritual resolve. 

And if your workplace stress refuses to subside, you can seek the help of mental health professionals or participate in mental health programs. They can help you properly conquer your anxieties surrounding work and get back to your healthy, productive self again. 

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To always stay connected to God’s word and the power of the Holy Spirit, download the pray.com app in the iOS App Store or on Google Play.