When we say self-care, does this mean that we can only do it during weekends or day offs? The answer is no, but almost everyone is guilty of having their self-care routine during their free day. But self-care is supposedly done every day, in your work and even during weekends. Self-care is your connection, your relationship to one’s self, physically, emotionally and mentally.
Doing the Operation: Self-Care
Whatever type of job that you are working with, it is highly crucial for you to prioritize yourself. If you do not take care of yourself, the stress of deadlines can push us all over the edge. That is poor self-care. Do yourself a favor. Don’t let work overpower you. Start incorporating the following list and initiate self-care into your work day:
Take a break
When you are burned out, it can be hard to do our best work. Take a break and pause for a while on overly perfecting your work. This break gives your mind an opportunity to relax and focus on something else that you enjoy. Some people walk. Others may go out and eat lunch. You may need to take your mind off your work to finally find the answers you have been looking for.
Your resources, money and time are valuable
Throughout the day, there is a high possibility that there will be others who will ask for our resources or most of our time, taking our attention away from our tasks. At the beginning of our day, it’s helpful to give fifteen minutes to ourselves and write down the top three things that we want to accomplish that day. If there are requests, consider first what was there on your list before you automatically answer yes. It is okay to say no to requests that you are not able to focus on right now. Your resources, money and time are valuable.
Take a look back
How was your performance last week? Some of us might have probably forgotten what had transpired and accomplished last week. Looking back at your accomplishments is another way of caring for yourself. Jot down the most interesting or satisfying accomplishments that you were a part of over the past month. This process will help you to stay connected and add value to yourself.
Choose to be with good people
Another essential part of your self-care involves a supportive and healthy relationship. Don’t let yourself be dragged down by those toxic people in your workplace.
Through meaningful connections, invest your time on those people who support and inspire you. Nurture your relationship with them by chatting with them during breaks or while on commute.
Build a better workspace
The workspace and work environment has a significant impact on one’s productivity. Declutter or reorganize your desk to have more mental clarity and be productive in your work. Put up images or quotes that will remind you of the things that truly matter to you.
Taking time to reboot or recharge is necessary as part of our workplace culture. As you get busier in work, it is also essential to devote more time to care for yourself. Don’t sacrifice your own well-being for your work. Everyone knows how valuable work is. However, your own well-being should be valued too! It is necessary in order to do great work.
Wen is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach who helped people change their behaviors. He brings experience from educating people about their physical health, nutrition, sexual health, and substance use. As a coach, he has worked with over one hundred clients in changing their tobacco use and had over five hundred conversations as a crisis counselor.
