An Introduction to Mental Health in the Workplace The question of good mental health in the workplace is an increasingly raised issue. Work stress is recognized to affect job performance and also the overall well-being of the individual. There is a lot of information available on how to promote good mental health in the workplace, but perhaps insufficient initiatives are actually being used. Providing employees with information that promotes good mental health alerts them to problems but may not reach solutions. In broader society, good physical health is widely accepted as the first step towards good mental health. Is it possible to address mental health problems in the workplace in the same way, first promoting improved physical well-being? Nutrition and diet The benefits of good nutrition are important for everyone, at home and at work. Good health starts with a good breakfast. People who eat their morning meal are more likely to get more vitamins and minerals and much less fat and cholesterol. (WebMD, 2008) The effect is often a slimmer body and less chance of overeating and going to the vending machine during work hours. Researchers at the 2003 American Heart Association conference reported that those who eat breakfast are less likely to be obese and develop diabetes. Another study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition concluded that people who eat breakfast cereal daily feel better both physically and mentally than people who almost never eat breakfast cereal. A Web MD article explains: “To get the full benefits of breakfast, the Mayo Clinic recommends a meal with carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat. They say that since no single food provides all the nutrients you need, eating a variety of foods is essential for good health. Even if an employee doesn't have time to eat before work, because they're in a hurry to get there on time or because their morning is taken up with kids, bringing a breakfast with them that they can eat as soon as they get to work would be a healthy habit to get into. Multitasking is possible when you eat cereals, fruits and nuts and check your voicemail or email at the same time. Good nutrition must continue throughout the day. Fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks, drinking water or tea to stay hydrated, and consuming dairy products all contribute to well-balanced meals. For example, consuming healthy fish dinners twice a week can greatly improve a person's well-being because fish contains omega fatty acids 3.