Juggling work deadlines, emails, and meetings can leave you feeling drained by the end of the day. But what if there were ways to manage that stress and actually feel better at work? That’s where self-care comes in!
Self-care isn’t about bubble baths and face masks every night (although those can be great too!). It’s about taking intentional steps to look after your physical and mental well-being. Just like a phone needs charging to work properly, you need to recharge yourself to be your best at work.
Why is self-care important at work? Think of your mind like a muscle. The more you use it without rest, the more tired it gets. This can lead to burnout, feeling overwhelmed, and even trouble concentrating. Self-care helps you manage stress, stay focused, and be more productive. It’s a win-win for you and your work!
Strategies for self-care at work:
- Mindfulness minutes: Feeling overwhelmed? Take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment. Mindfulness practices like meditation or simply focusing on your breath for a minute can help you de-stress and refocus. There are even free meditation apps to get you started!
- Break time is prime time: We’re not talking about checking social media in between tasks. Get up, move around, grab a healthy snack, or chat with a colleague (about non-work stuff!). Stepping away for even short breaks helps you recharge and come back to your work with fresh eyes.
- Fuel your focus: What you eat affects your energy levels and mood. Ditch the sugary snacks and processed foods. Opt for fruits, veggies, and whole grains to give your body the energy it needs to power through the day. Stay hydrated too! Keep a reusable water bottle at your desk and sip on water throughout the day.
- Move it or lose it: Sitting all day can zap your energy. Schedule short walks throughout the day, do some stretches at your desk, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Even small bursts of activity can make a big difference.
Managing workload and setting boundaries:
Feeling like you have a million things on your plate? Here are some tips:
- Prioritise ruthlessly: Not all tasks are created equal. Make a list and identify the most important things that need to get done first.
- Learn to say “No”: It’s okay to decline extra work if you’re already swamped. Explain your workload politely and offer to help out later if things free up.
- Delegate when possible: Is there something a colleague can handle? Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to free up your time for the most important things.
Setting boundaries with colleagues and supervisors is also key. This means communicating your work hours and sticking to them. Don’t feel pressured to answer emails or calls outside of work time unless absolutely necessary.
The importance of breaks:
Taking breaks isn’t slacking off, it’s essential! Just like a car needs pit stops on a long journey, you need breaks throughout your workday to avoid burnout.
Here are some break ideas:
- Go for a walk outside: Get some fresh air and sunshine.
- Do some quick stretches: Relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow.
- Listen to music: Put on some tunes that uplift your mood.
- Chat with a friend (in person or virtually): Social interaction can be a great stress reliever.
Getting professional help is self-care:
Sometimes, self-care means recognising when you need more support. Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)! These programs provide confidential counselling and support services to help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of this valuable resource!
If EAP is not an option for you:
We can help! Start your first therapy session with our registered counsellors or clinical psychologists! Book a session on our website, or Whatsapp us at +60 17-803 8384!
If you’d like to invest on your employees’ well-being:
We can help with that too! At Aloe Mind, we offer mental health screening, online and in-person therapy sessions, and mental health talks and workshops! Our EAP can be tailored to your company’s needs and size. We have worked with over 10 organizations to help their employee’s mental health.
How to start?
Contact us if you’d like us to be part of your plan in helping your employees!
Learn more here or email us at [email protected]!