Emma had been lying awake at night for months, her mind racing with work worries and a constant feeling that something was "wrong" with her health. She felt tired all the time, got frequent headaches, and found herself snapping at her family over minor things.
When her company offered workplace health checks, Emma almost didn't bother. "It's just stress," she told herself. "Everyone feels like this."
But that health check changed everything. Not only did it rule out the physical health problems she'd been worrying about, but it also connected her with resources that helped her manage her stress and anxiety properly for the first time.
Six months later, Emma sleeps better, feels more confident, and has tools to handle workplace pressure.
The Hidden Link: Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing
Stress and anxiety don't just affect your mind — they show up in your body:
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, fatigue
- Sleep disruption: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Energy levels: Feeling drained even after rest
- Concentration issues: Struggling to focus at work
- Mood changes: Irritability, feeling overwhelmed, lack of motivation
The problem: These symptoms can make you worry about your physical health, creating even more anxiety. It becomes a vicious cycle.
The solution: Workplace health checks break this cycle by addressing both physical and mental health together.
How Health Checks Address Stress and Anxiety
1. Rule Out Physical Causes Sometimes what feels like anxiety is actually:
- Low blood sugar causing shakiness and worry
- High blood pressure creating tension and headaches
- Vision problems leading to eye strain and stress
- Hearing difficulties causing social anxiety
Peace of mind: Knowing your physical health is good eliminates one major source of worry.
2. Identify Stress-Related Health Issues Health checks can detect:
- Elevated blood pressure from chronic stress
- Sleep disorders affecting your rest and recovery
- Muscle tension patterns from workplace stress
- Early signs of burnout
Early intervention: Catching these issues early prevents them from becoming serious health problems.
3. Professional Mental Health Assessment Many workplace health checks include:
- Stress level questionnaires
- Mental health screening tools
- Discussion about work-related pressures
- Assessment of work-life balance
Expert insight: Qualified professionals can identify when stress has moved beyond "normal" into something that needs support.
Real Stories: How Health Checks Helped
James, Marketing Executive: "I thought my constant headaches were from too much computer time. The health check found my blood pressure was high from stress. Getting treatment for both the blood pressure and stress management techniques eliminated the headaches completely."
Sarah, Teacher: "I was having panic attacks but didn't want to admit it. The health professional was so understanding and helped me realize this was treatable. The support they arranged changed my life."
Mike, Engineer: "I'd been drinking way too much coffee to deal with fatigue. Turns out I had sleep apnea from stress-related weight gain. Getting treatment meant I could sleep properly again and felt like myself."
Claire, Nurse: "Working in healthcare during tough times left me feeling burnt out. The occupational health assessment led to workplace adjustments and counseling support that helped me love my job again."
What Support Is Available?
During Your Health Check:
- Confidential discussion about stress levels and mental health
- Professional assessment of how work affects your wellbeing
- Practical advice for managing workplace pressure
- Referral options if you need additional support
Follow-Up Support:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) — free counseling services
- Workplace adjustments to reduce stress triggers
- Mental health resources and self-help tools
- Regular check-ins to monitor your progress
Treatment Options:
- Counseling or therapy (often covered by employee benefits)
- Stress management techniques tailored to your situation
- Mindfulness and relaxation training
- Medical treatment if anxiety or depression is diagnosed
Workplace Adjustments That Reduce Stress
Workload Management:
- Realistic deadlines and expectations
- Support during busy periods
- Task prioritization guidance
- Regular workload reviews
Environmental Changes:
- Quieter workspace if noise is stressful
- Better lighting to reduce eye strain
- Ergonomic improvements for physical comfort
- Private space for breaks when needed
Schedule Flexibility:
- Adjusted hours to avoid peak stress times
- Remote work options to reduce commute stress
- Regular breaks to prevent overwhelm
- Vacation time encouragement
Support Systems:
- Clear communication channels with management
- Buddy systems or mentoring programs
- Team building and social support
- Mental health champions in the workplace
Stress Management Techniques You Can Start Today
Quick Stress Busters (2-5 minutes):
- Deep breathing: 4 counts in, hold for 4, out for 6
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release each muscle group
- Grounding technique: Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, 3 you can touch
- Positive self-talk: Replace "I can't handle this" with "I can take this one step at a time"
Daily Stress Prevention:
- Morning routine: Start the day with something calming (music, stretching, mindful coffee)
- Boundary setting: Leave work at work when possible
- Regular exercise: Even 10 minutes of walking helps
- Sleep hygiene: Consistent bedtime routine without screens
Weekly Stress Management:
- Plan downtime: Schedule relaxation like you would any important appointment
- Social connection: Spend time with people who support you
- Hobbies: Engage in activities you enjoy
- Nature time: Get outside, even briefly
When to Seek Professional Help
Signs you might need additional support:
- Stress affecting your sleep most nights
- Anxiety interfering with work performance
- Physical symptoms that don't improve with lifestyle changes
- Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed regularly
- Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Early intervention prevents stress from becoming more serious mental health issues.
Breaking the Stigma
Common worries about mental health at work:
"Will it affect my job security?"
- Mental health is protected under disability discrimination laws
- Employers must make reasonable adjustments
- Most stress-related issues are temporary and treatable
"Will people think I can't handle my job?"
- Stress affects high-performers too — it's not about competence
- Many successful people use mental health support
- Your employer benefits when you're healthy and productive
"What if someone finds out?"
- Medical information is confidential
- Only work-relevant adjustments are shared with managers
- You control what information is disclosed
The Ripple Effect of Better Mental Health
When you manage stress effectively:
- Work performance improves — you're more focused and creative
- Relationships get better — you're more patient and present
- Physical health benefits — less tension, better sleep, stronger immune system
- Life satisfaction increases — you enjoy activities again
- Confidence grows — you feel capable of handling challenges
Your workplace health check isn't just about catching diseases — it's about helping you thrive.
Taking the First Step
If you're struggling with stress or anxiety, your workplace health check could be the turning point you need. It's:
- Confidential — what you share stays private
- Non-judgmental — health professionals understand work pressure
- Practical — focused on solutions that actually help
- Supportive — you're not dealing with this alone
The hardest part is often admitting you need support. Once you do, help is available.
Ready to take control of your stress and improve your wellbeing?
Book your workplace health check and start your journey to better mental health.
You deserve to feel good at work and at home.
— The CheckAtWork Team