What does mental health mean for designers?
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all part of our mental health. It has an impact on the way we feel, think, and behave. Despite the fact that mental health awareness has significantly increased in the previous years, it is the least discussed topic in the design society.
Many factors contribute to mental health complications for designers. Deadlines, competition, and fear of failure can often get designers anxious. While maintaining positive mental health can improve productivity, creativity, and happiness.
Some businesses have addressed this issue by allowing employees to work from home or offering flexible hours. Others are building playroom places in the workplace to make it more comfortable and fun, and others are providing benefits beyond the essentials, such as gym memberships and discount programs.
“Change what you can, manage what you can’t.”
— Raymond McCauley
In this article, we’ll look at how designers can maintain good mental health in their daily routines.
1- Don’t get too attached
Most designers get overly attached to their work and take criticism or feedback personally. Always keep in mind that your design isn’t you and that being criticized for your work doesn’t mean you’re being criticized as a person. We design for people and their needs. People should be happy and clients should be satisfied with the service we offer.
2- Don’t compare with others
The only competition here is you. You should stop comparing your work with others and start focusing on how you can become a better you. Every designer has his/her abilities, style, and opportunities, and focusing on others will only distract you from achieving your own success.
You don’t have to imitate other designers’ styles or work, believing in your abilities and learning from others can help you improve your skill set and grow as a designer.
3- Plan your work
It’s always best to prioritize your work by writing them down in order of importance and concentrate on completing one task at a time. In addition, make a to-do list for the entire week. This will allow you to understand what activities must be accomplished and by when, as well as where additional tasks or meetings might be included.
4- Disconnect
You should take a break from the job you love if you want to keep loving it. While taking a small break during working hours helps improve your focus and refreshes your mind, taking time away from work can improve your well-being and benefit your mental health. Discovering new cultures and learning new things, will definitely inspire and influence your creative work in the future.
5- Leave your chair
Exercise is medicine for the body and the mind. Designers tend to spend a lot of time in front of their computers and very little time on physical activities. If you don’t like going to the gym, consider going for a walk, a run, or a swim. Your mood, concentration, and sleeping hours will all increase significantly, which are all important for your mental wellness.
6- Kick the habit
If you feel like you’ve been working on a project for a long time and it’s becoming tedious, kick the habit and try to switch to something new. Moving to a new area, even within the same project will help you explore new dimensions, increase your motivation, and look at the work through fresh eyes. In addition, learning a new skill can improve your designs, giving you a sense of accomplishment as well as more self-confidence and resilience.
Designer’s mental health issues should not be hidden or covered.
Happiness is infectious. Maintaining good mental health will make you and those around you happier.
