Mental health isn’t an easy topic to talk about.

Not discussing it at all in the workplace can be harmful, though.

For one, employees lose out on valuable resources that could potentially improve or save their lives. On the other hand, employers miss the chance to break the stigma that surrounds mental illness discussions.

Considering serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year, it’s a topic too big to be ignored by companies.

This month, consider starting a mental health dialogue with employees. October’s three mental health observances offer perfect conversation starters:

• Mental Illness Awareness Week 2019
• World Mental Health Day 2019
• National Depression Screening Day

There’s no better time to start the conversations than now. Below, we share just how to build mental health awareness and empathy in the workplace.

Fall has officially arrived.

So has the start of cold and flu season, along with the temptation to stay inside and eat comfort food.

It’s the perfect season to get lazy, really.

But don’t give up on your health just yet. Keeping up your exercise routine, eating healthy, and resting enough can keep your health on track this fall season. It also will sustain your immune system if you continue your healthy habits through the end of the year.

Ready to finish the last days of the year strong?

Here are 17 fall wellness tips to keep you feeling your best!

They say “laughter is the best medicine” for a reason.

Laughing not only helps improve physical and mental health, it also strengthens relationships and enhances creativity.

Best of all, laughing “medicine” is free and fun to take.

Laughing has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, promote happiness, and provides other physical health benefits. Think of how you feel after watching your favorite comedy or after spending a few hours with a hilarious friend.

There’s nothing like a full-belly laugh.

Learn how to inject more humor into your workplace and how it can help your employees be healthier overall.

Every year, World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29.

Since Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) claims 17.9 million lives globally each year, the World Heart Federation created the campaign to educate and encourage individuals to improve their heart health.

Over a lifetime, the heart beats about 2.5 billion times. That’s a hard-working muscle. Like every other muscle in our bodies, it’s important to keep it strong and healthy.

If you’ve been looking for ways to discuss heart health with your employees, now is the time.

In honor of World Heart Day, share these 29 tips on how to keep your heart healthy:

Yogis, rejoice.

September is National Yoga Month.

And even if you aren’t a yogi, there's a reason to celebrate this ancient practice. The mental benefits of yoga are well documented as an excellent way to relieve stress. Plus, it’s a great way to increase blood circulation and move your body after a long day of sitting in the office.

And you don’t have to do hot yoga for the benefits, either.

Anyone of any age can reap the benefits with a regular practice — from restorative yoga to vinyasa, there are options for all fitness levels!

Interested? If increases flexibility and a relaxed mind sounds good to you, read on!

Has it been awhile since you picked up a book?

September 6 is National Read a Book Day, the perfect time to buy a new title or pull your favorite novel off the shelf.

Reading is excellent for brain health and it’s also a healthy stress reducer at the end of a long work day. Aside from leisurely reading, it’s also a great opportunity to educate yourself on any topic that interests you.

Below, we’ve included a list of 19 books on fitness, self-help, wellness, and positivity to celebrate National Read a Book Day.

Happy reading!

Sometimes, you just need to take a breather and let go of stress.

Studies show the majority of stress most Americans feel comes from their job. High-pressure deadlines, agitating colleagues, and too much work can all contribute to daily work stressors. 

Too much stress comes at a cost, of course.

Workers with high-levels of stress are more likely to have an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack risk, and other disorders like insomnia. While stress can take a physical toll on employees, there are ways to alleviate it, too.

Wellness programs focused on stress relief like deep breathing exercises can help.

Breathing exercises are:

• Easy to learn
• Don’t require special equipment
• Can be done anywhere

This post will outline breathing exercises that will help employees stay mindful of their breathing throughout the day.

Ready to help employees have some fun while getting in shape?

An office health challenge focused on fitness is the perfect solution.

Competition is a natural part of office dynamics, so colleagues and leadership might as well have fun with it. Fitness challenges are a great way to encourage friendly competition and healthy habits.

Plus, it’s as easy as incorporating simple fitness routines like daily yoga challenges or even a 30-day step program. Looking to start a new wellness campaign anyways? Fun office challenges can be a great kick-off to larger wellness initiatives.

If you’re looking to keep your staff motivated, energized, and inspired, an exciting office challenge may just do the trick.

August 15 is National Relaxation Day.

This national “holiday” is one day to let employees chill, but relaxing self care shouldn’t be considered only once a year. Companies that take the time to invest in employee mental wellness see fewer employees suffer from burnout.

It’s a great opportunity for employers to bring workplace stress levels down a bit while also talking about the importance of daily self care routines.

Here are seven ways to unwind for National Relaxation Day:

Summer can be slower for many businesses, which makes it a perfect time to review and revamp your company’s wellness programs.

Wellness programs aren’t “set it and forget it” kind of initiatives.

To be successful, your program should be evaluated and improved regularly. This starts with having a clear understanding of objectives and goals. Looking at participation, program satisfaction, behavioral changes, and cultural changes can help you settle on the best way to update your wellness programs.

Unsure how to start the evaluation process?

Here’s a look at the employee-facing metrics that can quickly improve lackluster programs: