Self Care Tips
Self care isn’t a fad or a trend, it’s an essential part of being human and maintaining your own mental health. And as much as we all love our jobs, no workplace is so rewarding that you can sacrifice your own personal happiness for it. Self care is something that many of us struggle to find time for in our hectic lives. Perhaps you feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done, or perhaps you feel like you’re constantly on edge and need some time and space just for yourself to recharge and remember who you are outside of work. The best way to ensure that self care remains a priority in your life is by making it a priority. Below, we have compiled some of the best ways to keep yourself happy and healthy during the week:
1. Exercise
While most people think of exercising as a way to lose weight or tone their bodies, there are other benefits that many of us don’t think about. Exercise is a fantastic way to relieve stress, boost your mood, and improve self-esteem. This is especially true if you engage in an exercise that you really enjoy, such as swimming or yoga. Exercising regularly can be a fantastic way to relieve stress, boost your mood, and improve your overall health. If you’re someone who finds it difficult to find the time to exercise regularly, there are many ways to incorporate it into your daily routine. You can walk to work if you live close by, use stairs instead of the elevator, or take a short walk during your break.
2. Create boundaries
More and more, we are expected to be available for our colleagues 24/7. This can be a toxic and unhealthy environment for everyone involved, with people feeling guilty for not answering emails or calls outside of work hours. You may be able to set boundaries with your manager or colleagues, or you may need to set boundaries with yourself, saying “no” to certain commitments that might be encroaching on your personal time. This can be especially important if you work in a competitive field where your reputation is everything. Working long hours and forgetting to take time out for yourself can impact your overall productivity, as well as your mental health. If you feel like you are constantly on edge or unable to meet deadlines, you may want to speak to a manager about the expectations you are being held to. You may also want to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.
3. Have a meal you enjoy
Sometimes all you need to feel better is to treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be a crazy expensive meal – it could be something as simple as a cup of coffee at your favorite cafe or a slice of pizza from your favorite takeout shop. Eating a meal that you enjoy during your workday can be a great way to remove yourself from the stress of work and make you feel better. It can be especially helpful if you are feeling anxious or depressed and need an easy way to remove yourself from work for a few minutes. Experiment with different foods, drinks, and snacks to see what works best for you. Some foods can be incredibly therapeutic, so give them a try and see what works for you. Remember that self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s something that we all need and deserve in order to be the best versions of ourselves.
4. Take care of your body
Taking care of yourself doesn’t just mean taking care of your mind, it also means taking care of your body. You may have heard the term “mindfulness” thrown around in relation to self-care – but did you know that there is also a concept known as “body awareness”? Body awareness is the practice of being mindful of your body, including your posture and breathing. Being mindful of your posture can help you feel more confident and less stressed while being mindful of your breathing can help you stay relaxed in times of high anxiety. There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including yoga and meditation. You can also take care of your body by getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. All of these things can help to improve your mental health, reduce anxiety and prevent depression.
5. Practice self-care activities that you enjoy
Sometimes, you need to try different self-care activities to figure out what works best for you. Some people find that knitting is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day at work. Others enjoy gardening or painting as a way to relax and de-stress. There are many ways to practice self-care and find joy in your daily life, you just have to get creative. You can also try scheduling self-care activities in your calendar, just like you would any other meeting. This can help to remind you to take breaks and practice self-care in a way that feels more natural.
6. Find time to just breathe and be still
This may sound strange, but being still and focusing on your breathing can be an incredibly powerful way to boost your mood. Try to make time for yourself each day to sit quietly and breathe. It doesn’t have to be for long – even five minutes can have an incredible impact on your mental health and overall well-being. If you are someone who is easily distracted, you might try using an app designed for meditation, such as Calm or Headspace. These apps can help you stay focused and mindful as you breathe and relax.
7. Cultivate relationships with people who support you
It can be tempting to spend all of your time with colleagues from work, but this can make you feel like you never get away from the stresses of work and never have time to truly relax and unwind. Instead, try to cultivate relationships with people outside of work who are positive and supportive. Having people in your life who understand what you do and can give you a break from your typical daily routine can be incredibly powerful. Friends and family can help remind you of who you are outside of work and can offer you support when you need it most.
Conclusion
Self care is an essential part of being a happy, healthy person. It’s so important that we take time to do things that make us feel good, relax our minds, and take care of our bodies. With so many distractions in our daily lives, it can be hard to find time for self care. The best way to make sure self care becomes a regular part of your routine is to make time for it. There are endless ways to practice self care, and being creative can help you find something that works for you. If you feel like you’re struggling to make time for self care, try to cut out small things from your daily routine to help make time for yourself.