Self-care time has traditionally been reserved for outside of work hours, but attitudes around self-care are changing. It’s becoming clear that weaving moments of self-care throughout your day is more beneficial than grinding through a hard day and leaving the “you” time for later. It’s more effective to consider self-care as a regular part of your routine than as a complete departure from it. This sort of integration can help ensure ongoing good health (both mental and physical), and help you better manage your stress.
Here are a few habits to look after your self-care during work hours:
When it comes to what causes us stress, one size does not fit all. We are all different and need to know what exactly causes us stress. Is it the workload, the people we work with, meeting deadlines? Are we stressed working in a team, or working alone? Do we prefer an environment in which a lot is happening, or do we need a quiet area free of distractions? Self-awareness, an essential first step in self-care.
Sometimes saying no is an essential part of letting people we work with know that we are at our limit. It is important to frame our saying no in the right context. Let it be known that if you accept the extra work, the quality of the work you do will suffer, to the detriment of the team and organization.
We need to set boundaries and let others clearly know where those boundaries are. Do we need a quiet time to meditate, recharge, and regenerate? Let everyone know this, and be clear that outside of emergencies, you would appreciate not being interrupted during this time. If you are working on an important project with a tight deadline, let everyone know and thank them for helping you by allowing you to focus on this important piece of work until completion.
And remember, you can always ask for help. Asking for help when you need it is not a sign of weakness; it is an indication of someone who knows themselves, is open, and is a good team player. Let your colleagues know when you have some free time and are able to help them with something in return. The better your self-care habits the better person and worker you’ll become.
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