Self-care is not selfish; it is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. By taking care of yourself, you can better contribute to your work, support your colleagues, and create a more positive and thriving workplace environment.
By fostering a culture of self-care, companies can create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to thrive. This is also possible on an individual level.
Here are some effective ways to practice self-care in your workplace, by yourself:
1. Recognize the Importance of Self-Care:
Before diving into the how-tos, it's crucial to understand why self-care matters. When you acknowledge your wellbeing as a top priority, you commit to investing in practices that nurture your mental and physical health. To embrace the idea of taking care of yourself is not selfish, but a necessary step towards becoming your best self at work.
Example: If you often see the lines of personal/professional life blurring, protecting your time and implementing self-care is crucial. You could approach your leader and say, "I've been finding it challenging to balance work and personal life lately. Would it be possible to explore a flexible work arrangement?”
2. Set Boundaries and Learn to Say No:
In today's digitally connected world, it is easy to blur the lines between work and personal life. Set clear boundaries by establishing designated work hours and resisting the temptation to check emails during leisure time. Learning to say no when your plate is full will prevent burnout and protect your energy for essential tasks.
For instance, at a time when you are already overwhelmed with work, it can be hard to take on more work. How do you respond in such a situation? How about, "I would love to help, but I already have a lot on my plate at the moment. Can we discuss priorities and see if there's another way I can contribute?”
3. Take Short but Mindful Breaks:
Incorporate mindfulness into your workday by taking short breaks to recharge. Practice deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, or a quick stretch to release tension and reset your mind. Mindful breaks enhance focus, reduce stress, and boost productivity.
Take initiatives to talk about it during team meetings and calls. Try saying "I've started practicing mindfulness during breaks, and it has helped me feel more focused and refreshed." Conversations around such topics will help others to also open up and embrace mindful breaks at work, which is such a good practice to follow!
4. Prioritize Physical Health:
A healthy body is fundamental to overall wellbeing. Nourish your body with nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity. Exercise not only improves physical health but also releases endorphins, elevating your mood and reducing stress.
5. Create a Supportive Work Environment:
Encourage a positive and supportive workplace culture by fostering open communication and togetherness among colleagues. Seek support when needed and offer it to others when and where possible. Building strong connections at work contributes to a sense of belonging and reduces the feeling of isolation.
To initiate this conversation, start talking about what does a supportive work environment look like for you? Does it value work-life balance, flexibility, or something else? By normalizing these matters at work, you will allow your colleagues to also see the importance of a work environment that lets everybody thrive together.
6. Celebrate Achievements and Progress:
Recognize your and others’ accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and celebrate your progress. You can do this by highlighting a colleague’s good work in collaboration with yourself. Use phrases like “together, we were able to….”, OR “my skills got a huge boost when I started working with my colleague on this project…”. Acknowledging your achievements raises self-esteem and motivates you to keep striving for excellence.
7. Schedule "Me Time" Outside of Work:
Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation outside of work hours. This can look like engaging in hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply unwinding in peace. Scheduling "Me time" allows you to recharge and return to work with more energy and a renewed sense of purpose.
Final thoughts...
Good energy is infectious. It travels among colleagues and can even bring better results if you continuously strive to focus on yourself and your happiness at work.
Practicing self-care in the workplace is not a luxury; it's a necessity for overall wellbeing and professional success. Self-care is an ongoing journey that requires consistent effort and dedication. Embrace these practices and witness the positive impact they have on your life.
What do you think? What are your favorites ways to practice self care at work?
